An experimental study of inferior vena caval stent in canine

Objective To investigate the feasibility of our self made inferior vena cav e (IVC) stent. Methods Self-expanding, stainless steel, Z-shaped stents were deployed in t he IVC of 14 dogs. They were randomly divided into four groups, four dogs i n the first three groups, and 2 in the fourth group. IVG specimens were tak en at 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks following stent deployment. No anticoagulant or antiplatelet: therapy was given. Results All stents were widely stretched out and so was the vessel lumen. N o thrombus was present and the patency was 100% in all groups. The stents w ere completely covered by neointima 2 weeks after stent deployment. The neo intimal thickness varied significantly: the thinnest at 2 weeks, the thicke st at 4 weeks and becoming thinner at 8 weeks and stable until 16 weeks. Th e inflammatory reaction was gradually reduced. Under scanning electronic mi croscopy, the neointima was covered by a layer of endothelial cells 2 weeks following stenting, which were irregularly shaped and aligned. The cells b ecame slender, spindle-shaped and aligned parallel to the direction of boll d flow 4 weeks afterwards. Conclusion self-expanding application. Experimental study indicated that ou r IVC stent was feasible for clinical application.