Effects of low porosity flow diversion stents on branch arteries of abdominal aorta in rabbits

Objective To evaluate the effects of low porosity flow diversion stents on branch arteries.Method 30 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into experimental group(n=20) and control group(n=10).In experimental group,the low porosity flow diversion stent was implanted in abdominal aorta across the branch artery.Animals in control group only underwent angiography without stent implanted.All animals were sacrificed for pathological examination after angiography at 3 months.Results There was no branch arteries occlusion at follow-up angiographies in experimental group.Neointimal coverage score in ostium of branch was negative correlation with local porosity of stent (r=-0.507;P=0.005).These neointima composed predominantly of smooth muscle cells and collagen fibers.Conclusions The branch arteries covered by low porosity flow diversion stents are not occlude at 3 months,but the stent struts can cause partly neointimal coverage at ostium. Key words: Stents; Porosity; Aorta,abdominal; Angiography; Pathology