A comparison of functional and physical properties of self-expanding intracranial stents [Neuroform3, Wingspan, Solitaire, Leo+, Enterprise]

Minim Invasive Neurosurg. 2011 Feb;54(1):21-8. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1271681. Epub 2011 Apr 19.

Abstract

Purpose: 5 self-expanding intracranial stents Neuroform (N), Wingspan (W), Solitaire (S), Leo(+) (L), and Enterprise (E) were subjected to an in vitro examination and comparison of their physical features and functional properties in order to better understand the clinical advantages and potential limitations of each device.

Material and methods: The following features were examined for each stent: visual appearance, radial strength, wall apposition, bending stiffness, gator backing, kink resistance, ovalization, vessel wall coverage, cell size, ease of delivery.

Results: Given are rankings for the 5 stents: radial force at 50% oversizing: L<N<E<S<W; radial force at 15% oversizing L<E<S<N<W; wall apposition: E<N=W<S; bending stiffness: N<L<W<S<E; gator backing: N and W only; kink resistance: N=W<E<S<L; ovalization: W<L<S<N<E; vessel wall coverage: S<E<N<W<L; cell size: L<W<E<N<S; ease of delivery: W<N<L<E<S. A comparative analysis of the in vitro test results with the clinical experience of the authors is presented in this paper.

Conclusion: The 5 stents have fundamentally different features and there is no stent that is superior in all tested aspects. The selection in an individual treatment should be based on clinical and technical requirements.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology
  • Biophysical Phenomena / physiology
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / instrumentation
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Cerebral Arteries / physiology
  • Cerebral Arteries / surgery*
  • Elasticity / physiology
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / instrumentation*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / surgery*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Stents / standards*
  • Stents / trends
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / methods