Purpose: To evaluate a new stent developed for treating arterial stenoses located adjacent to the bifurcation of the carotid artery.
Material and methods: Eight 4-cm-long nitinol stents, each with a diameter of 6 mm in its distal half and 9 mm in its proximal half, were tested in 4 pigs. In each animal, the abdominal aorta was catheterized through the left common carotid artery, and 2 stents were inserted into the right and left iliac arteries, respectively, with the wider portion in the common iliac artery and the narrower portion in the corresponding external iliac artery. The pigs were killed after 24 hours, or 1, 4 or 8 weeks, following control angiography. The arteries were examined macroscopically and by scanning electron microscopy.
Results: All stents remained in the intended position, fitting the arterial wall, following successive expansion to their maximum diameter and after 4 weeks were completely covered by endothelium. The arteries remained patent, with preserved flow to the side branches through the stent mesh. A small thrombus was found in I artery
Conclusion: In animal experiments, the new stent was safely inserted over the arterial bifurcation, remained in place and was covered by endothelium while flow through side branches was preserved.