Biodegradable covered magnesium alloys stent for a lateral aneurysm model in common carotid artery in rabbits

Abstract

Objective To discuss the feasibility of biodegradable covered magnesium alloys stent for a rabbit model of lateral aneurysm in the common carotid artery (CCA). Methods The left CCA was ligated in 20 conventional New Zealand rabbits. MRA of the neck was performed 1 month after ligation. The rabbits with thickening of the right CCA and non- or slight thickening of the bilateral vertebral arteries were selected for lateral aneurysm model making. The venous pouch and the right CCA wall by discontinuous extroversion sutures, to form a lateral aneurysm model. The biodegradable covered magnesium alloys stents or Willis covered stents were inserted two weeks after model making. Angiography was performed prior to the procedure, 3, 6 and 12 months after stent implantation to evaluate the disappearance of the aneurysms and patency of the right CCA. The degradation behaviour is invastagated with molybdenum target 2 weeks, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months after stent placement. Results The left CCAs were successful ligated in all rabbits. MRA 1 month after ligation showed thickening of the right CCA and non-thickening of the bilateral vertebral arteries in 17 of 20 rabbits. In these animals, the CCA lateral aneurysm model was deemed successful, and biodegradable covered magnesium alloys stents and Willis covered stents were implanted in 9 and 8 aneurysms, respectively. DSA after biodegradable covered magnesium alloys stent placement displayed disappearance of the aneurysms and patency of the CCA in all 9 rabbits during follow-ups. DSA 3 months after Willis stent placement displayed patency of the CCA in 7 rabbits and occlusion of the artery in one. No occlusion of the right CCA was observed on angiography at 6 and 12 months. The degradation of the biodegradable covered magnesium alloys stent was investigated with molybdenum target during follow-ups, and no changes was observed in Willis covered stent. Conclusion Biodegradable covered magnesium alloys stent is a feasible approach for the treatment of a lateral aneurysm in the right CCA. Key words: Cerebral aneurysm; Common carotid artery; Model, rabbit; Stents