Vein graft-coated stents for endovascular occlusion of canine experimental arteriovenous fistulae

Invest Radiol. 1999 Jan;34(1):22-7. doi: 10.1097/00004424-199901000-00004.

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: To evaluate different vein graft-coated stent systems in the endovascular treatment of experimental arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) in a canine model.

Methods: Bilateral carotid-to-external jugular vein AVF were created. Two balloon-expandable tantalum stents (Strecker stent), two self-expanding nitinol stents (Strecker stent), and one stainless-steel stent (Wallstent) were coated with autologous vein grafts and placed using a transfemoral approach. Angiography was performed immediately after stent placement and at week 1 and 3, as well as at months 3, 6, and 9. All stents were removed and underwent histologic examination.

Results: Occlusion of the AVF succeeded with the Wallstent and both tantalum stents. The nitinol stents were misplaced, maintaining the AVF. One undersized tantalum stent and the Wallstent were occluded after 3 weeks. One nitinol stent was occluded at 3 months, whereas the two remaining stents were patent during the whole observation period. No inflammatory tissue response was seen, and no host-versus-graft reaction was present.

Conclusions: Preparation and implantation of vein graft-coated stents, especially in the case of self-expanding stent systems, is cumbersome. This restricts the common use of such a coating, which shows an excellent biocompatibility. Vein graft-coated stents might be of use in infected endangered vessels.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Alloys
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Animals
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / pathology
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / surgery*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / pathology
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / surgery*
  • Carotid Artery, Common / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery, Common / pathology
  • Carotid Artery, Common / surgery
  • Dogs
  • Jugular Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Jugular Veins / pathology
  • Jugular Veins / surgery*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Radiography
  • Stainless Steel
  • Stents*
  • Tantalum
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Alloys
  • Stainless Steel
  • nitinol
  • Tantalum