Intravascular Stents to Prevent Occlusion and Re-Stenosis after Transluminal Angioplasty

Abstract

Occlusion and re-Stenosis are the most common reasons that transluminal balloon angioplasty may fail to provide long-term benefit. An intravascular mechanical support was therefore developed with the aim of preventing re-Stenosis and sudden closure of diseased arteries after angioplasty. The endoprosthesis consists of a self-expandable stainless-steel mesh that can be implanted nonsurgically in the coronary or peripheral arteries. Experiments in animals showed complete intimal coverage within weeks and no late thrombosis during a follow-up period of up to one year.