MicroCT and contrast-enhanced microCT to study the in vivo degradation behavior and biocompatibility of candidate metallic intravascular stent materials.

ABSTRACT: Biodegradable intravascular stents offer a promising alternative to permanent stents for treating atherosclerosis-related artery narrowing by potentially avoiding long-term complications. Identifying materials that degrade harmlessly and uniformly at a suitable rate is crucial. This study evaluated an advanced zinc alloy (Zn-Ag-Cu-Mn-Zr) alongside pure iron and pure zinc, using a simplified stent model of metallic wires implanted in the rat aorta. Assessments were made at 7, 24, and 84 days post-implantation using X-ray microfocus computed tomography (microCT) and contrast-enhanced microCT (CECT). For CECT, a contrast agent was chosen to provide optimal soft tissue contrast and minimal interaction with the wires. This combination of imaging techniques allowed us to evaluate degradation beh

SUBMITTER: Leyssens L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11670001 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature