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Updated: Jun 16, 2025

06:55
Fabrication of Small Caliber Stent-grafts Using Electrospinning and Balloon Expandable Bare Metal Stents
Published on: October 26, 2016
8.9K
Biodegradable nanofibrous pharmaceutical-eluting stents for finger joint reconstruction
Yung-Heng Hsu1, Ying-Chao Chou1, Chia-Ching Huang2
1Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung, Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan.
Summary
This study developed novel drug-eluting stents for small joint reconstruction, improving function and reducing complications. The bioresorbable implants successfully delivered anti-inflammatory drugs, enhancing recovery in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Small joint reconstruction faces challenges with current materials causing complications.
- Existing silastic materials have unsatisfactory function and induce adverse host reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel solution-extrusion additively manufactured polycaprolactone (PCL) tubular mesh stent.
- To integrate electrospun nanofibers loaded with prednisone and ketorolac within the PCL stent.
- To assess the mechanical properties, drug release kinetics, and in vivo efficacy of the hybrid stent for small joint arthroplasty.
Main Methods:
- Solution-extrusion additive manufacturing of polycaprolactone (PCL) tubular mesh stents.
- Integration of electrospun nanofibers containing prednisone- and ketorolac-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA).
- Evaluation of PCL stent mechanical performance, in vitro drug release profiles, and in vivo efficacy in a rabbit knee model.
Main Results:
- The manufactured PCL stents demonstrated excellent mechanical strength and fatigue resistance.
- Drug-eluting nanofibers sustained the release of prednisone and ketorolac for over 30 days in vitro.
- In vivo studies showed sustained drug release for >42 days, with treated rabbits exhibiting higher activity levels.
Conclusions:
- Hybrid bioresorbable drug-eluting stents offer a promising solution for small joint arthroplasty.
- Extended release of prednisone and ketorolac from PCL-PLGA composite stents can improve joint function.
- This technology has potential to overcome limitations of current materials and reduce graft-associated complications.

