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AJNR - American Journal of Neuroradiology

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American Journal of Neuroradiology 27:324-326, February 2006
© 2006 American Society of Neuroradiology

INTERVENTIONAL

Conformability of Balloon-Expandable Stents to the Carotid Siphon: An In Vitro Study

R. du Mesnil de Rochemont^a, B. Yan^a, F.E. Zanella^a, D.A. Rüfenacht^b and J. Berkefeld^a

^a Institute of Neuroradiology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
^b Section of Neuroradiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Address correspondence to Dr. R. du Mesnil de Rochemont, MD, Institute of Neuroradiology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Schleusenweg 2-16 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endovascular placement of coronary balloon-expandable stents in patients with recurrent cerebral ischemia has emerged as a treatment option for intracranial arterial occlusive disease. We have developed an in vitro model matching the tortuous curve of the carotid siphon that allows the assessment of apposition of stents to a curved vessel wall.

METHODS: Six types of balloon-expandable coronary stents were implanted in a silicone model of the carotid siphon. Digital radiographs and 3D rotational angiograms were obtained. Stent morphology was evaluated and the degree of apposition between stent and wall of the model was measured on a digital workstation.

RESULTS: All 6 stents showed lack of apposition between stent and the wall at the convexity of the anterior segment of the carotid siphon and the wall at the concavity at both extremities of the stent. In and around the curve, the modules of the stents did not expand completely to their nominal diameter and were distorted to an oval shape.

CONCLUSION: The tested coronary balloon-expandable stents did not completely conform to the vessel wall of the model of the carotid siphon and further development is needed to approach the goal of an "ideal intracranial stent."