Evaluation of a Rabbit Model of Vascular Stent Healing: Application of Optical Coherence Tomography

AbstractPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a management strategy for symptomatic obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite advancements, in-stent restenosis (ISR) still imparts a 1 –2% annual rate of repeat revascularization—a focus of ongoing translational research. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high resolution virtual histology of stents. Our study evaluates the use of OCT for virtual histological assessment of stent healing in a rabbit aorta model, enablin g complete assessment of intraluminal healing throughout the stent. ISR varies based on intra-stent location, stent length, and stent type in a rabbit model—important considerations for translational experimental design. Atherosclerosis leads to more prominent ISR proliferation independent of sten t-related factors. The rabbit stent model mirrors clinical observations, while OCT-based virtual histology demonstrates utility for pre-clinical stent assessment. Pre-clinical models should incorporate clinical and stent factors as feasible to maximize translation to clinical practice.Graphical Abstract
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research