Self-expandable vascular stent covered with polyurethane membrane: an experimental preliminary study of a placement in the thoracic descending aorta of a rabbit using endovascular intervention
Uematsu, M.; Okada, M.
Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Official Journal of the Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons of Asia 6(2): 137-141
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1341-1098 PMID: 10870012 Document Number: 515737
The effectiveness of self-expandable vascular endoprosthesis covered with polyurethane membrane for arterial substitution was examined in the descending thoracic aorta of a rabbit, followed by an observation period of 937 days. In this model there was no evidence of thrombus, aneurysmal formation, and/or infection. The self-expandable vascular stent covered with a polyurethane membrane showed long-term patency as well as excellent function, and the histological evaluation revealed endothelial cells covering all of the surface of the endoprosthesis, as was expected. Minimal intimal hyperplasia and no calcifica-tion were demonstrated in any portions. This study suggests that our newly designed self-expandable vascular stent covered with a polyurethane membrane could serve as a satisfactory vascular endoprosthesis with a good long-term patency for substitution. Furthermore, stenting using our model is a safe, simple technique, and an effective treatment for vascular remodeling.