Occlusion of Experimental Aneurysms with Heparin-loaded, Microporous Stent Grafts

OBJECTIVEAn embolization technique using a stent graft has been developed to replace the conventional type of direct surgery or neurointervention with platinum coils and/or bare stents. The utility of a commercially available metal stent wrapped with a microporous elastomeric film coated with a thin, heparin-loaded, photocured gelatinous layer for the treatment of experimental carotid artery sidewall aneurysms in dogs was evaluated. METHODSThe stent graft was used for embolization of experimental carotid artery aneurysms in dogs. The aneurysms were prepared bilaterally in canine carotid arteries with branching of an external jugular vein patch. RESULTSThe entries into all of the aneurysms were occluded immediately after placement of the stent grafts, and the aneurysms were embolized by thrombus formation even 1 week after deployment. All of the parent carotid arteries in which stent grafts were placed were patent, without severe stenosis, immediately (n = 2), 1 week (n = 4), 1 month (n = 3), and 3 months (n = 4) after placement. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the luminal surfaces of the stent grafts were entirely endothelialized as soon as 1 week after placement, via transmural tissue ingrowth through the micropores formed in the covering film. CONCLUSIONThe stent graft we have developed seems to be highly promising for the treatment of aneurysms, especially with respect to immediate termination of blood inflow for aneurysm occlusion and rapid endothelialization in the aneurysm neck.