3D-Printed Radiopaque Bioresorbable Stents to Improve Device Visualization

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Engineering
• Radiology

Background:

• Bioresorbable stents (BRS) offer therapeutic potential for luminal diseases.
• Challenges exist in tracking and monitoring radiolucent polymeric BRS in vivo.
• Malposition and inadequate expansion can lead to stent failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop radiopaque bioresorbable stents (BRS) with enhanced X-ray visibility.
• To investigate the use of 3D printing and iodixanol for radiopaque BRS fabrication.
• To assess the in vitro performance and cytocompatibility of the developed BRS.

Main Methods:

• Photopolymerization-based 3D printing was employed to create BRS.
• Iodixanol, a clinical contrast agent, was incorporated into a bioresorbable citrate-based polymer ink.
• In vitro degradation and mechanical testing (crimping, expansion) were performed.

Main Results:

• 3D-printed BRS with incorporated iodixanol exhibited strong X-ray visibility.
• High visibility was maintained for at least 4 weeks during in vitro degradation.
• The radiopaque BRS demonstrated good cytocompatibility and mechanical competence, though higher iodixanol concentrations (>10 wt.%) led to fractures.

Conclusions:

• A facile strategy for fabricating radiopaque BRS using 3D printing and iodixanol was successfully demonstrated.
• This approach can potentially improve the clinical success of bioresorbable stents by enabling better monitoring.
• Optimizing iodixanol concentration is key to balancing radiopacity and mechanical integrity.