Macrophage polarization and acceleration of atherosclerotic plaques in a swine model.

Aims: Atherosclerosis is a well-known cause of cardiovascular disease and is associated with a variety of inflammatory reactions. However, an adequate large-animal model of advanced plaques to investigate the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis is lacking. Therefore, we developed and assessed a swine model of advanced atherosclerotic plaques with macrophage polarization.

Linear Micro-patterned Drug Eluting Balloon (LMDEB) for Enhanced Endovascular Drug Delivery.

In-stent restenosis (ISR) often occurs after applying drug eluting stents to the blood vessels suffering from atherosclerosis or thrombosis. For treatment of ISR, drug eluting balloons (DEB) have been developed to deliver anti-proliferative drugs to the lesions with ISR. However, there are still limitations of DEB such as low drug delivery efficiency and drug loss to blood flow.

Preclinical assessment of a modified Occlutech left atrial appendage closure device in a canine model.

Background: LAA occlusion has a similar stroke prevention efficacy compared to anticoagulation treatment for non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of a modified Occlutech® left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device in a canine model.

Methods: The device was implanted in 10 dogs (33±1kg) using fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance.