Comparison of short- and long-term results of drug-eluting vs. bare metal stenting in the porcine internal carotid artery.

PurposeTo evaluate the development of neointimal hyperplasia after implantation of drug-eluting stents (paclitaxel) compared to bare metal stents in porcine internal carotid arteries (ICAs).MethodsWhile drug-eluting stents have effectively reduced neointimal proliferation in porcine external carotid arteries, the porcine internal carotid artery (ICA) is more sensitive to shear stress and altered flow conditions. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate bare vs. drug-eluting stents in porcine ICAs. Under general anesthesia, 18 domestic pigs were implanted with paclitaxel-eluting (n=18) and bare (n=18) stents in the left and right ICAs, respectively. After 1 and 3 months, control carotid angiography was performed, followed by histopathological and histomorphometric analyses of the stented ICA.ResultsHistopathological results (fibrin deposition, necrosis, inflammation) were similar in the groups at 1 and 3 months. Moreover, the injury score and rate of endothelialization did not differ between the groups. His...