Combination of the “bear claw” (over-the-scope-clip system) and fully covered stent for the treatment of post-operative anastomotic leak

Abstract

The "bear claw" or over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system (Ovesco Endoscopy, Tübingen, Germany) is an innovative clipping device made of superelastic biocompatible nitinol [1] [2] [3]. This clipping device was developed to close wall defects of the luminal gastrointestinal tract, such as perforations, anastomotic leaks, fistulas, and large defects occurring after endoscopic full-thickness resection [1]. The use in humans is still limited, but due to the OTSC's excellent capabilities for closing large mucosal defects, more reports on its efficacy are being published [2] [3] [4]. Herein we present the use of the "bear claw" to anchor a fully-covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) that had previously partially migrated into the stomach.