Vein graft-coated vascular stents: a feasibility study in a canine model.

Abstract

To evaluate different vein grafts for luminal coating of endovascular stents in normal canine arteries. Twenty-four tantalum Strecker stents were coated with either autologous (n = 10), denatured heterologous (n = 11), or denatured homologous vein grafts (n = 3). The carotid artery (n = 11) and the iliac artery (n = 13) were stented using a transfemoral approach. Angiograms were performed at days 0, 7, and 21, and months 3, 6, and 9. All grafts underwent histological examination. Eight of 10 autologous vein grafts showed patency during the whole observation period of 9 months, without histological signs of inflammation. Denatured heterologous vein grafts revealed acute (n = 3), subacute (n = 5), or delayed (n = 3) vessel occlusion. Hyaloid transformation of the vein graft and lympho-plasmacellular formations were seen. Denatured homologous vein grafts showed acute vessel occlusion. Although significant inflammatory tissue response was seen, no host-versus-graft reaction was present. Autologous vein graft-coated stents showed good biocompatibility in canine arteries. Preparation was cumbersome and required surgical venae-sectio. Denatured vein grafts, however, were limited by inflammatory reactions.