Rationale and objectives: We evaluated the effectiveness of a fluorine-acryl-styrene-urethane-silicone (FASUS) copolymer as an antithrombogenic coating material for intravascular stents in dogs.
Methods: FASUS copolymer-coated stents were placed in the right iliac veins, and uncoated 304 stainless steel stents were placed in the left iliac veins. We examined platelet deposition, microthrombus formation, and neointimal hyperplasia 4 weeks after stent placement by measuring the activity of 111In-labeled platelets, by using scanning electron microscopy, and by measuring neointimal thickness.
Results: Platelet deposition was significantly decreased on coated than on uncoated stents (p < .05). A less pronounced increase in red blood cell deposition was observed at the sites of the coated than uncoated stents (p < .05). Neointimal thickness 4 weeks after stent placement also was significantly less at the sites of the coated stents (0.27 +/- 0.08 mm versus 0.48 +/- 0.23 mm, p < .05).
Conclusion: FASUS copolymer coating over the vascular stent is effective for preventing thrombus formation and neointimal hyperplasia.