Optimization of a novel preferential covered stent for atheroembolic carotid stenosis through bench experiments and in vitro platelet activation studies

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been a promising treatment for carotid stenosis, but bare metal stenting (BMS) does not adequately address the atheroembolic characteristic of carotid artery stenosis. Preferential covered stent (PCS) behaves as a covered stent in a tubular part of a vessel but maintain side branch flow over the bifurcation region. Stent design, membrane material and slits configuration are the three main components. A newly designed BMS was developed and compared to a commercially available peripheral stent. Two materials (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) and silicone polyurethane co-polymers (Elast-eon E2A) were used for stents coverings with slits applied using various cutting methods to form the PCSs. These PCS samples were tested for physical resilience, flexibility, ability to preserve side branch flow, slit edge roughness and platelet activation. Fabrication of E2A coated stents required pre-treatment of the stent with polyethylene glycol for firm attachment. The newly designed BM...