Square stent: a new self-expandable endoluminal device and its applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Devices
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• The square stent is a novel, self-expanding device characterized by a minimalist metal design.
• This design facilitates introduction via smaller-diameter catheters compared to traditional stents.
• The stent exhibits sufficient expansile force despite its reduced metal content.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the square stent for various interventional applications.
• To explore modifications of the square stent, including coverings, to broaden its utility.
• To assess the suitability of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) as a stent covering.

Main Methods:

• Development and evaluation of the basic square stent.
• Creation and assessment of square stent-SIS composite devices.
• Testing of square stent configurations for applications such as IVC filters, occluders, and valves.

Main Results:

• The square stent demonstrates adequate expansile force and compatibility with small delivery systems.
• Modified square stents, including those with SIS coverings, show potential for expanded indications.
• Various applications were explored, including retrievable inferior vena cava filters, vascular occluders, graft adapters, and venous/aortic valves.

Conclusions:

• The square stent is a versatile device with potential in numerous interventional procedures.
• The combination of the square stent with biomaterials like SIS enhances its applicability.
• Further research into square stent modifications and coverings is warranted for clinical translation.