A new stent designed for carotid artery application. An experimental study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Vascular Surgery
• Materials Science

Background:

• Arterial stenoses, particularly at bifurcations like the carotid artery, pose significant treatment challenges.
• Bifurcation stenting requires devices that can accommodate varying vessel diameters and maintain side branch patency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel nitinol stent designed for treating arterial stenoses adjacent to bifurcations.
• To assess the safety, efficacy, and biocompatibility of this new stent in an animal model.

Main Methods:

• Eight nitinol stents with dual diameters (6mm distal, 9mm proximal) were implanted in the iliac arteries of 4 pigs.
• Stent placement and patency were assessed via angiography at various time points (24 hours to 8 weeks).
• Macroscopic and scanning electron microscopy were used for detailed arterial and stent evaluation.

Main Results:

• All stents were successfully deployed and maintained their position, conforming to the arterial wall.
• Complete endothelial coverage of the stents was observed by 4 weeks post-implantation.
• Arterial patency was preserved, with continued blood flow through side branches, despite a minor thrombus in one artery.

Conclusions:

• The novel nitinol stent demonstrated safe insertion and stable placement across arterial bifurcations in a preclinical animal model.
• The stent promoted complete endothelialization and maintained patency of essential side branches, indicating promising therapeutic potential.