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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Novel Percutaneous Approach for Deployment of 3D Printed Coronary Stenosis Implants in Swine Models of Ischemic Heart Disease
Published on: February 18, 2020
Development of a novel calcified total occlusion model in porcine coronary arteries
Kaori Suzuki1, Naritatsu Saito, Geping Zhang
1Jack H. Skirball Center for Cardiovascular Research, Cardiovascular Research Foundation, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to create a calcified total occlusion model in porcine coronary arteries using a catheter-based technique.
Background:
Chronic total occlusion (CTO) represents 10-20% of all angioplasty cases and remains a challenge for interventional cardiologists. One of the limitations to successful recanalization is the failure to cross the wire through the CTOs.
Methods:
Twenty swine underwent total occlusion creations in the coronary arteries. Via a carotid artery, previously prepared bone chips with absorbable sponge were delivered into the coronary arteries using catheter-based techniques. Twenty-eight days post creation, coronary angiography and histology were performed.
Results:
Twelve animals survived and 10/12 had successful total occlusions. There were successful total occlusions in 100% (8/8) of the left anterior descending coronary arteries in the animals that survived. Angiography showed visible calcified total occlusions under fluoroscopy and also showed bridge collaterals distal to the occlusions (4/8) or contralateral collaterals from the right coronary arteries (4/8). The histology showed calcified nodules and abundant microchannels within the occlusions, media, and adventitia.
Conclusions:
We could successfully create a reliable and repeatable porcine coronary model of calcified total occlusions. This method can be utilized in many preclinical evaluations of CTO technologies.

