Technical feasibility and biocompatibility of a newly designed separating stent-graft in the normal canine aorta.

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the performance of a newly designed separating stent-graft system with respect to the technical feasibility of transfemoral deployment, the maintenance of vessel patency, and stent deformity due to mechanical defects; and to evaluate its in vivo healing characteristics, including thrombus formation, and endothelial covering of the stent-graft when placed in the normal aorta of a canine model. The newly designed separating stent-graft allowed accurate deployment without migration. This animal study also provided an opportunity to examine the healing process associated with an ultrathin polyester fabric nitinol stent and showed predictable healing characteristics in the normal thoracic aorta in this canine model.