Neointima formation following arterial placement of self-expanding stents of different radial force: experimental results

Abstract

Purpose: Radial force delivered by self-expanding stents has been discussed as a factor affecting thickness of neointima formation.

Methods: Two types of Wallstents were studied experimentally in vitro and in vivo. Due to an altered braiding angle of the stent filaments, one stent type (LS type) delivers half the radial force to the vascular wall than the conventional type. The radial force was evaluated in a compression-expansion test which related changes in stent length to the compressing force. Fourteen LS and 16 conventional stents were implanted into 15 femoropopliteal arteries of 10 dogs. Autopsy was performed after 4 weeks (14 stents) or 6 months (16 stents).

Results: All stents remained patent over the follow-up period with no evidence of stenosis. Neointimal overgrowth was complete and smooth in all. Medial atrophy was a constant finding after placement of both types. Neointimal thickness did not exceed 100 microns after 4 weeks and 6 months and did not significantly differ between LS stents and conventional stents.

Conclusion: It is concluded that in normal dogs self-expanding stents of the Wallstent type do not induce neointimal buildup that exceeds 100 microns in the femoropopliteal artery. A reduced radial force was not found to result in reduced neointima formation.