Stentwirefractures and dislocated frames of explanted, endovascular grafts

Vascular grafts are available since the middle of the 50's. Explant retriev al studies still reveal not published material degradation today, after ove r 40 years of product development. Endovascular grafts exist since the begi nning of the 90's. New developments and modifications have lead to numerous devices. The importance of explant retrieval studies grows. Materials and methods: Among 33 stentgrafts, retrieved 5 to 43 months after implantation, the majority were 18 MinTec(R) devices (17 Stentor(R), 1 Cragg(R)). These 18 explants were examined by endoscopy, stereomicroscopy and scanning elect ron microscopy. Results: The following material degradation was observed. The textile coati ng showed holes along the longitudinal seam, the ligatures in-between the s tentframes bursted, allowing the-frames to dislocate. Occasional fractures of the stent wire were seen accompanied by bowl-shaped alterations of the s urface. Conclusion: The Stentor(R) device is, since its modification 1996, not avai lable any longer. It was one of the most applied devices world-wide. The po ssible material deficiencies must be known by those performing patient foll ow-up. The occurrence of alterations within 43 months shows the importance of a continued follow-up besides clinical trials.