Open-cell Design Research Articles

In Situ Multi-Site Plasma Focused-Ion-Beam Tomography on Li-Electrolyte Interface in All-Solid-State Batteries

All-solid-state lithium metal batteries, poised to deliver one of the highest specific energy among rechargeable batteries, establish themselves as a front-runner for next-generation electric vehicle batteries; nevertheless, realizing high-performance solid-state Li batteries remains challenging due to the high impedance and (for the anode side) uncontrolled Li deposition at the interfaces between active electrode materials and solid electrolytes. The lack of direct and quantitative characterization tools for the active material−electrolyte interfaces has been a major hurdle towards high-performance solid-state batteries. Most studies had to rely on indirect characterization methods to approximate the identity, distribution, and evolution of species and structures at the interfaces. This work demonstrates a combined diagnostics of the interfaces and their evolutions during cell operation using in situ multi-site plasma focused-ion-beam (pFIB) tomography.Utilizing the advanced capabilities of pFIB technology, which offers significantly higher material removal rates compared to gallium-based systems, we significantly reduce the duration of tomography sessions. This efficiency enhancement not only accelerates the morphological data acquisition but also supports the continuous and multi-site application of pFIB tomography on a single specimen through its electrochemical reaction cycle. In this experiment, the Li-electrolyte interface within a trilayer battery structure (Li/electrolyte/NMC-electrolyte composite) was characterized in situ at multiple sites using FIB. The tests were performed in a custom-built transfer vessel equipped with an in situ testing platform, enabling air-free specimen transfer from an argon-filled glovebox to the pFIB-SEM setup. This system also facilitates in situ charge/discharge cycling under simulated real-world conditions, including environmental stimuli like heating and pressing. The open-cell design of the battery specimen on this platform, with exposed and polished interfaces, provides direct visibility into the interface dynamics that is comparable to traditional Swagelok-cell setups but with enhanced observational capabilities.The resultant tomography models from the Li-electrolyte interface during charging and discharging cycles elucidate the structural evolution of the components under different operational statuses. Key observations include the initiation, growth, and interaction of Li dendrites within the electrolyte layer, and the development of voids at the Li-electrolyte interface, particularly their dynamics during battery operation. While these phenomena have been extensively studied using other diagnostic techniques, the application of in situ multi-site pFIB offers unprecedented insights into the morphological changes induced by battery cycling, thereby contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the failure mechanisms in solid-state batteries.

OpenCell: A low-cost, open-source, 3-in-1 device for DNA extraction.

High-cost DNA extraction procedures pose significant challenges for budget-constrained laboratories. To address this, we introduce OpenCell, an economical, open-source, 3-in-1 laboratory device that combines the functionalities of a bead homogenizer, a microcentrifuge, and a vortex mixer. OpenCell utilizes modular attachments that magnetically connect to a central rotating brushless motor. This motor couples to an epicyclic gearing mechanism, enabling efficient bead homogenization, vortex mixing, and centrifugation within one compact unit. OpenCell's design incorporates multiple redundant safety features, ensuring both the device's and operator's safety. Additional features such as RPM measurement, programmable timers, battery operation, and optional speed control make OpenCell a reliable and reproducible laboratory instrument. In our study, OpenCell successfully isolated DNA from Spinacia oleracea (spinach), with an average yield of 2.3 μg and an A260/A280 ratio of 1.77, demonstrating its effectiveness for downstream applications such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification. With its compact size (20 cm x 28 cm x 6.7 cm) and lightweight design (0.8 kg), comparable to the size and weight of a laptop, OpenCell is portable, making it an attractive component of a 'lab-in-a-backpack' for resource-constrained environments in low-and-middle-income countries and synthetic biology in remote field stations. Leveraging the accessibility of 3D printing and off-the-shelf components, OpenCell can be manufactured and assembled at a low unit cost of less than $50, providing an affordable alternative to expensive laboratory equipment costing over $4000. OpenCell aims to overcome the barriers to entry in synthetic biology research and contribute to the growing collection of frugal and open hardware.

Abstract 17501: Initial Experience With a Novel Transcatheter Aortic Valve With Open-Cell Design and Staged Delivery for Challenging Anatomies in a Developing Country

Introduction: Overcoming challenges of transcatheter aortic valve (TAVI) implantation, as coronary access, conduction disturbances and paravalvular leak are goals of device development. We aimed to describe the initial experience with a recently-approved self-expandable bioprosthetic valve, with supravalvular leaflets, a novel open-cell design and 2-stage deployment, in terms of efficacy and safety. Methods: Consecutive patients with aortic valve (AV) stenosis and indication for TAVI with favorable anatomy for self-expandable prostheses were prospectively enrolled in a high-volume center in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Demographic, clinical and procedural data were collected in an online dedicated database (Coreware, RIBAC). Echocardiographic and CT-angio measurements were performed by 2 experts with proprietary software (Phillips Heart Navigator). Outcomes were prospectively collected. Results: At total, 23 patients eligible for the Acurate Neo/Neo2 TAVI were enrolled, being 15 men, mean age of 82±6 years (69 - 93). Hypertension was present in 20, diabetes in 8 and dyslipidemia in 17, and all were severely symptomatic, being 20 in functional class 3. The STS-score (morbi-mortality) was high: 19±6%. The mean AV area on echo was 0.7±0.2 cm 2 , with mean gradient of 44±15 mmHg. In CT-angio, the median calcium score was 2284, mean annular perimeter was 72±5 mm, and the height of the right and left coronary ostia were 15.2±2.6 mm and 11.9±3.2 mm (<10 mm in 5 cases). All implants were transfemoral (14F) and with general anesthesia, given the high-risk profile. Pre-dilation was performed in 20 (91%) and the TAVI was deployed without repositioning in all cases, with no coronary compromise. Post-dilation was required in 13 cases, being 11 due to mild and 2 due to moderate paravalvular leak: all regressed to trivial. Vascular complications requiring surgery occurred in 1 case, and 1 (4%) patient underwent permanent pacing. All patients were discharged home, with a mean AV gradient of 9.7±3.7 mmHg. Conclusion: The initial experience in Brazil with the novel Acurate Neo/Neo2 prosthesis was promising, with high success rates in challenging anatomical scenarios, and low rates of pacemaker implantation and no occurrence of coronary obstruction or significant leak.

Delayed Migration of Tapered Open-Cell Design Carotid Stent: A Case Report.

We present a case of delayed migration of an open-cell design carotid stent, which is a rare complication following carotid artery stenting (CAS). A 65-year-old patient with carotid artery stenosis underwent CAS with an open-cell stent, initially achieving successful deployment. However, 4 months later, the stent migrated and resulted in restenosis. The patient underwent balloon angioplasty and received an additional stent, leading to improved blood flow. The rarity of stent migration, particularly in the absence of risk factors, highlights the need for clinicians to be vigilant and consider early imaging follow-up for patients at risk of this complication after CAS.

Abstract Number ‐ 71: Management of Delayed Carotid Stent Fracture with an Overlapping Open Cell Design Stent: Case Report

Introduction Stent fracture after carotid angioplasty and stenting is rare. Risk factors include presence of angulation, calcification, and restenosis increasing the risk of stent fracture. Although literature indicates that not all carotid stent fractures are associated with adverse outcomes, there is limited details on successful endovascular management of this entity. We describe a unique case of carotid stent fracture with symptomatic restenosis treated with an overlapping open cell stent with no residual stenosis and resolution of symptomology. Methods Case Report. Results A 79‐year‐old man with medical history of right sided symptomatic carotid artery stenosis which had been previously treated with endarterectomy and subsequently carotid stenting after a follow up carotid ultrasound demonstrated recurrence of severe right internal carotid artery (RICA) stenosis. Approximately 2 years after this index procedure, the patient returned with acute onset of left‐hand numbness. Cerebral angiography was performed that demonstrated 85% stenosis with a fractured carotid stent at segment of stenosis (Figure 1A, B). Furthermore, the lesion was found to be heavily calcified. This was determined to be the primary contributing factor in resultant artery wall stress, which over time led to carotid stent fracture. Angioplasty with placement of a new open cell stent and distal embolic protective device was performed successfully. The open cell stent was chosen for this approach as closed cell stents have been associated with an increased odds of in‐hospital stroke/death for carotid lesions, attributable to the lower degree of conformability with closed cell stents. After our stent placement, there was no significant residual stenosis visualized (Figure 1C, D). The patient’s symptoms resolved without any subsequent complaints on follow‐up visit. Conclusions While carotid stent fractures are a rare occurrence, we report a case of symptomatic carotid artery restenosis with a fractured stent due to significant lesion calcification and wall stress. This case was successfully treated with angioplasty and new open cell stent placement due to its potential advantages over closed cell stents in carotid artery lesions. Current literature indicates that carotid stent fractures have a low prevalence. However, there is a paucity of studies on the mechanism of stent fracture as well as optimal management of these fractured stents, suggesting a need for further study and characterization.

Additively manufactured three-dimensional lightweight cellular solids: Experimental and numerical analysis

The development of cellular solids is one of the research fields in which additive manufacturing has made relevant progress in producing lightweight components and enhancing their performance. This work presents comprehensive research on the mechanical performance of fused filament fabricated three-dimensional lightweight cellular solids, including open-cell and closed-cell lattice designs and triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS), with different cell sizes and infill densities. The aim of this work is to determine the range and limits of the achievable mechanical behavior by employing different cell designs made from a single material and manufacturing technique. Experimental results obtained with cell designs fabricated with a high-performance polymer (PEI Ultem) showed wide ranges of effective stiffnesses from 1 to 293 MPa, strengths from 0.1 to 18.1 MPa, and densities from 0.066 to 0.541 g/cm3. Furthermore, two validated numerical approaches are provided to simulate their mechanical performance accurately. Moreover, a novel and robust index to quantify the isotropy of additively manufactured cellular solids based on the graphical representation of the homogenized stiffness tensor is proposed. Finally, experimental evidence states that the Shell-TPMS designs proved to be the most efficient cellular pattern, followed by the Skeletal-TPMS and the lattice configurations.

Great Safety and Efficacy of a New Drug-eluting-stent manufactured in a developing country at minimal cost: the VSTENT at 3 years follow-up

Abstract Background In the care patients with coronary artery disease, a new drug-eluting stent, the VSTENT, covered with sirolimus was designed and manufactured in a developing country at minimal cost. Beside the clinical concern, from an engineering perspective, the questions were: Was this stent flexible? What was its radial strength? Did this stent brace itself against the wall with a strong strut network? What was the cell size and design? Methods From 6.2019 to 8.2020, 150 patients from 5 hospitals underwent PCI with a new VSTENT in 212 lesions. At the index PCI (D1), a subgroup of 61 patients (40%) was preselected to undergo additional imaging procedures including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS=41) or optical coherence tomography (OCT=20). All patients were followed-up clinically every month for one year. At 6 months (D180) they underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA=143) or a second IVUS or OCT for the intravascular subgroup. The rate of invasive imaging follow-up was 95% for DSA, 92% for IVUS and 95% for OCT. The rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: mortality, in-stent restenosis (ISR), Target lesion revascularization (TLR) and data on radial strength, longitudinal flexibility, expansion and coverage were calculated. Results In all patients, the technical success was 100% (successful balloon inflation, complete stent expansion, uneventful balloon removal). The VSTENTs were deployed in arteries of all sizes: small with diameter (D) = 2.5mm in 11.3%, D= 2.75mm in 24.1%, and in large arteries D= or >3mm in 66.6% of patients. The stent length varied from 15–38mm with 80% >20mm. 92% had good apposition as evidenced by OCT or IVUS. There was no acute in-stent thrombus, no loss of side branch and no perforation. There was one cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation. The bench and angiographic data on radial strength, longitudinal flexibility, expansion and coverage were excellent In Figure 1, The VSTENT design has open cells in the middle and closed cell at both distal segments. This design of mixed closed and open cell increases the radial strength at both ends while preventing the diametric difference (dog-boning effect) In Figure 2, after deployment of a VSTENT, the size of the open cell design in the middle of the stent is approximately 3.40 mm2 while the size of the distal closed cells design is 1.7 mm2. At 6 months, the rate of angiographic ISR inside the stent and within the 5 mm from the two ends was 3.5%. The rate of late lumen loss was 0.8mm in the in-stent segment and 0.07mm within 5mm of the two ends. The composite MACE was 4.7% with 1 mortality (0.7%) and 4 TLRs. At 36 months follow-up, only one TLR was reported. Conclusions At 3 years follow-up, the rate of angiographic ISR and TLR of the VSTENT was low. The data on radial strength, longitudinal flexibility, expansion and coverage were excellent. The VSTENT could be an affordable choice for interventional cardiology service in developing countries. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): United Healthcare

An investigation into patient-specific 3D printed titanium stents and the use of etching to overcome Selective Laser Melting design constraints

Due to limitations in available paediatric stents for treatment of aortic coarctation, adult stents are often used off-label resulting in less than optimal outcomes. The increasingly widespread use of CT and/or MR imaging for pre-surgical assessment, and the emergence of additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing, could enable bespoke devices to be produced efficiently and cost-effectively. However, 3D printed metallic stents need to be self-supporting leading to limitations in their design.In this study, we investigate the use of etching to overcome these design constraints and improve stent surface finish. Furthermore, using a combination of experimental bench testing and finite element (FE) methods we investigate how etching influences stent performance. Then using an inverse finite element approach the material properties of the printed and etched stents were calibrated and compared. We show that without etching the titanium stents, the inverse FE approach underestimates the stiffness of the as-built stent (E = 33.89 GPa) when compared to an average of 76.84 GPa for the etched stent designs. Finally, using patient-specific finite element models the different stents’ performance were tested to assess patient outcomes and lumen gain and vessel stresses were found to be strongly influenced by the stent design and postprocessing.Within this study, etching is confirmed as a means to create open-cell stent designs whilst still conforming to additive manufacturing ‘rules’ and concomitantly improving stent surface finish. Additionally, the feasibility of using an in-vivo imaging-to-product development pipeline is demonstrated that enables patient-specific stents to be produced for varying anatomies to achieve optimum device performance.

Exploiting Nonlinear Fiber Patterning to Control Tubular Scaffold Mechanical Behavior

AbstractMelt electrowriting is an additive manufacturing technique capable of fabricating highly biomimetic polymer scaffolds with high‐resolution microarchitecture for a range of tissue engineering applications. The use of a rotating mandrel to fabricate tubular scaffolds using this technique is increasing in popularity; however, the translation of many novel scaffold designs that have been explored on flat collectors has yet to be realized using mandrels. This study reports novel tools to automatically generate scaffold gcode for several new tubular scaffold designs, investigating a range of auxetic pore geometries and open unit cell designs. Through optimization of printing parameters, the novel scaffold designs are successfully printed and mechanically tested to assess tensile properties. Open unit cells significantly reduce the tensile stiffness of scaffolds manufactured with closed pores. Auxetic scaffolds could also be widely tuned using the novel gcode generator tool to exhibit similar stress–strain profiles to typical crosshatch scaffolds but could be made to expand to desired radial dimensions. Finally, heterogeneous auxetic constructs are also fabricated with regions of various radial compliances. This study presents several, mechanically validated novel scaffold designs that are of interest for future applications in targeted tissue engineering product development as well as in soft robotic actuation.

Encoding of direct 4D printing of isotropic single-material system for double-curvature and multimodal morphing

The ability to morph flat sheets into complex 3D shapes is extremely useful for fast manufacturing and saving materials while also allowing volumetrically efficient storage and shipment and a functional use. Direct 4D printing is a compelling method to morph complex 3D shapes out of as-printed 2D plates. However, most direct 4D printing methods require multi-material systems involving costly machines. Moreover, most works have used an open-cell design for shape shifting by encoding a collection of 1D rib deformations, which cannot remain structurally stable. Here, we demonstrate the direct 4D printing of an isotropic single-material system to morph 2D continuous bilayer plates into doubly curved and multimodal 3D complex shapes whose geometry can also be locked after deployment. We develop an inverse-design algorithm that integrates extrusion-based 3D printing of a single-material system to directly morph a raw printed sheet into complex 3D geometries such as a doubly curved surface with shape locking. Furthermore, our inverse-design tool encodes the localized shape-memory anisotropy during the process, providing the processing conditions for a target 3D morphed geometry. Our approach could be used for conventional extrusion-based 3D printing for various applications including biomedical devices, deployable structures, smart textiles, and pop-up Kirigami structures.

Selective laser melting of NiTi stents with open-cell and variable diameter

This work investigates the processing of NiTi open-cell peripheral stents with variable diameter by SLM and consecutive heat treatments. The production of open-cell designs via SLM requires dedicated processing strategies to avoid the use of support structures with comparable dimensions to the stent struts. Process parameters were studied using an SLM system operating with pulsed wave emission to assess the geometrical fidelity and the density of thin struts. The novel stent mesh was designed and produced employing gaps with unmelted powder between the consecutive cells along the build direction. Solution annealing and stress relieving treatments were assessed after SLM. The results show that regular struts with high density (>99.5%) with an austenitic transformation finish below the room temperature can be achieved with SLM and dedicated heat treatment.

Scanning Probe Microscopy Facility for Operando Study of Redox Processes on Lithium ion Battery Electrodes.

An Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is combined with a special designed glovebox system and coupled to a Galvanostat/Potentiostat to allow measurements on electrochemical properties for battery research. An open cell design with electrical contacts makes it possible to reach the electrode surface with the cantilever so as to perform measurements during battery operation. A combined AFM-Scanning Electro-Chemical Microscopy (AFM-SECM) approach makes it possible to simultaneously obtain topological information and electrochemical activity. Several methods have been explored to provide the probe tip with an amount of lithium so that it can be used as an active element in a measurement. The “wet methods” that use liquid electrolyte appear to have significant drawbacks compared to dry methods, in which no electrolyte is used. Two dry methods were found to be best applicable, with one method applying metallic lithium to the tip and the second method forming an alloy with the silicon of the tip. The amount of lithium applied to the tip was measured by determining the shift of the resonance frequency which makes it possible to follow the lithiation process. A FEM-based probe model has been used to simulate this shift due to mass change. The AFM-Galvanostat/Potentiostat set-up is used to perform electrochemical measurements. Initial measurements with lithiated probes show that we are able to follow ion currents between tip and sample and perform an electrochemical impedance analysis in absence of an interfering Redox-probe. The active probe method developed in this way can be extended to techniques in which AFM measurements can be combined with mapping electrochemical processes with a spatial resolution.

Healthy Port Futures: Rethinking Sediments for Rivermouth Landscapes

Throughout the Great Lakes, port cities are often located on the rivermouth and where rivermouths once sorted, shaped, and moved the riverine sediment into the lake. Their current use as industrial navigation channels requires cyclical mechanical maintenance dredging. Past sediment management practices have either placed the riverine sediment nearshore in confined disposal facilities (CDFs) or out in deeper open water. Both practices remove the sediment from the nearshore system, preventing its potential use in coastal protection, habitat creation, wave attenuation, and sediment nourishment. However, novel rivermouth wetlands can draw from both strategies of containment (as in a CDF) and cost-efficiency of non-containment (open lake disposal) to allow for the processing and use of sediment. This article will describe one such attempt, conducted by the Great Lakes Protection Fund-supported Healthy Port Futures project. Through a collaborative design-research process, Healthy Port Futures used a range of tools to generate, speculate, model, visualize, and test wetland forms under a range of social, ecological, and hydrological conditions. This project, understood colloquially as “the Crescent,” proposed a semi-circular, partially open-cell wetland design as a response to the complexity of rivermouth conditions. Throughout this design-research process, the project sought to acknowledge uncertainty, assess risk, and explore a range of outcomes in order to redefine the public expectations around wetland creation and restoration, and reimagine innovation along the Great Lakes coast.

Optimization technique for stenting of ostial vertebral artery stenosis

Objective ‒ to develop a technique for endovascular treatment of symptomatic ostial stenosis of the vertebral arteries, which allows to minimize risks of delayed stent breakage and restenosis. Materials and methods. This is analysis of prospectively collected data from patients presenting from 2016 to 2019 in the endovascular center of the Dnepropetrovsk Regional Clinical Hospital named after I.I. Mechnikov. One hundred four stents were placed in 99 patients using the author’s complex method, which is based on our modification of Szabo technique. The principles of the method were developed based on a literature review and in vitro tests using 7 silicone models of the initial segments of the subclavian and vertebral arteries with different angles of divergence of the vertebral arteries (30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 135, 150°) and 9 balloon mounted drug-eluting stents with open-cell design Resolute (Medtronic).Results. There were no cases of displacement of the stent proximally or distally during implantation. In all cases, stents were implanted in the affected segment exactly and did not prolapse more than 1 mm beyond the ostium of the vertebral artery into the subclavian artery. There were no «clinical» ischemic complications in the early postoperative period. In 5 cases, isolated subclinical ischemic lessions in the carotid circulation were revealed during one-session stenting of ostial stenosis of the vertebral arteries and carotid stenting. In the posterior circulation, ischemic lessions on MRI in the early postoperative period were not detected in any observations.Conclusions. Developed complex stenting method based on our modification of Szabo technique allows us to achieve optimal long-term results of stenting of symptomatic ostial stenosis of the vertebral arteries.

Risk Factors for the Development of Carotid Artery In-Stent Restenosis: Multivariable Analysis

ObjectivesIn this study, we evaluated the relationship between certain patient and stent characteristics with regards to their association with the development of restenosis. BackgroundCarotid artery stenosis is a major cause of stroke. Carotid artery stenting is an FDA approved method for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. However, carotid artery stenting has been fraught with lumen loss and in-stent restenosis. The literature is limited in regard to variables affecting long term patency after carotid artery stenting. MethodsThis is a retrospective chart review study investigating the variables affecting the long term patency in patients who underwent carotid artery stenting. The data was analyzed using a Multivariable logistic regression models. Results148 patients were included in the study. 123 patients did not develop signs of restenosis after 1 year, while 25 patients developed restenosis defined on annual follow up carotid duplex ultrasound. The odds ratio of developing restenosis for current/former smokers vs. never smokers was 10.1 (p = 0.018), closed vs. open cell design stents was 12.5 (p = 0.008). The odds ratio of developing restenosis decreases by 50.1% for every 1 mm increase in the diameter (p = 0.021). Data was collected and reanalyzed at 3 years to look for any changes in risk factors that become significant which showed that the chance of developing restenosis increases by 11.2% for every 1 mm increase in the length of the stent. ConclusionsOur data suggest that the risk of developing restenosis is elevated in those with a history of previous/current tobacco use; those treated with closed-cell as opposed to open-cell design. We also found that restenosis is positively associated with stent length and inversely associated with stent diameter. The aforementioned factors should be considered in the management of carotid artery stenosis.

Effect of number of crowns on the crush resistance in open-cell stent design

Effect of number of crowns on the crush resistance in open-cell stent design

Development of composite double-hat energy absorber device subjected to traverser loads

This paper introduces a new carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) structural system in the field of crashworthiness. CFRP hat-shaped and angle-shaped stiffeners were used to develop a double-hat collapsible energy absorption system. Three different design alternatives were investigated. The first alternative is an open-cell design (OC) consisting of two flipped hat stiffeners with four right angles on the edges. The second alternative is a one-in-cell double-hat design (1C), consisting of OC design with additional one inside small hat stiffeners edged with angles. The third alternative is a two-in-cell double-hat design (2C), consisting of OC design with additional two inside small hat stiffeners edged with angles. Three modes of failure were observed, classified as local buckling (mode I), top wall bending (mode II), and brittle collapse that resulted from Euler buckling (mode III). The crashworthiness characteristics were evaluated for the three designs. The 2C double-hat design showed the highest peak load and specific energy absorption (SEA). Accordingly, the core of the 2C design was filled with foam to increase the energy absorption capability and enhance the structure’s stability. Results showed that the SEA of the 2C+ foam design was increased by more than 50% compared to the coreless 2C double-hat design.

Game changers in vascular and endovascular surgery

Game changers in vascular and endovascular surgery

Intravascular Visualization in Carotid Artery Stenosis Treatment: One-centre Experience

Introduction: The problem of cerebrovascular disease remains relevant and requires study. The main reason for the development of ischemic strokes is atherosclerotic damage to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery (CCA) with the transition to the internal carotid artery (ICA). The use of additional methods of intravascular imaging is a promising direction in endovascular surgery of the carotid arteries. In our opinion, this topic is poorly studied and requires the study of its clinical and scientific significance. We decided to evaluate stenting results in patients with significant stenosis of the ICA using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: For the period from November to December 2018 in the clinic of vascular surgery 30 procedures using IVUS and 28 procedures with the use of OCT were performed during the stenting of the ICA. All visualization procedures were carried out before and after stent implantation and its postdilatation to determine the reference diameter of the stent, detecting the protrusion of plaque and adoratrice stent. In 100 % of cases in both groups the device of protection against distal embolism was used. Results: Technical success in both groups was 100 %. There was no statistically significant relationship between the plaque structure and the occurrence of protrusion through stent cells. Protrusion of plaque was detected in 5 patients in the IVUS group, 4 of which were implanted stent with an open cell design. We used double-meshed stent in OCT group. In the OCT group residual stenosis was detected in 6 patients with severe calcification of plaques. Postdilatation balloon catheter was performed in 100% of cases in both groups. In both groups there were no complications at the site of vascular access, 30-day mortality was 0 %. In 1 (3.33 %) patient in the group of IVUS there was stent thrombosis intraoperatively with ischemic stroke (NIHSS 13 points, mRs 5 points). In 2 (7.14 %) patients in the group of OCT there was stent thrombosis in 30 days with no significant neurological signs (mRs 0-1 points). Postoperative hospital stay in both groups was 1 day. Conclusion: The use of methods of intravascular visualization (IVUS and OCT) in stenting of the internal carotid artery makes it possible to obtain additional information about the structure of the plaque, the intravascular picture of the implanted stent, residual stenosis and plaque protrusion, as well as to adjust the tactics of treatment of a particular patient. There is some limitations to use OCT due to artery size and repeated vessel lumen flushing. Disclosure: Nothing to disclose

Initial Clinical Results and In Vitro Testing of the New CGuard MicroNet-Covered “One-Size-Fits-All” Carotid Stent

Purpose: To evaluate a MicroNet-covered stent designed for the carotid artery with the new ability to adjust to different vessel diameters. Materials and Methods: Thirty consecutive patients (mean age 72.1±7.7 years; 26 men) with symptomatic stenosis (86.3%±6.4%) of the internal carotid artery were treated with the new self-adjusting nitinol stent, which has a self-expanding, open-cell design covered by an outer conformable layer (MicroNet). The only stent used was the “One-Size-Fits-All” CGuard stent with lengths of 30 or 40 mm. In bench testing, the chronic outward force of the One-Size-Fits-All stent was determined with a segmented head radial force test device. The stent was deployed directly into the test device at a diameter of 5.0 mm, and the chronic outward force was measured up to 10.0 mm, the maximum expansion of the stent. Results: The stent was successfully implanted in all 30 patients without periprocedural complications, including no neurological events within 30 days. The chronic outward force normalized by stent length demonstrated a near-equivalent radial force outcome: The stent displayed only a minor difference between the minimal radial force at 9.0 mm (0.195 N/mm) and the maximal radial force at 5.5 mm (0.330 N/mm). Conclusion: The new self-adjusting, MicroNet-covered stent has high conformability combined with an almost equivalent radial force at expansion diameters ranging from 5.5 to 9.0 mm. The first clinical results demonstrate that the new One-Size-Fits-All stent can be safely implanted in internal carotid arteries with reference diameters within this range.