Ultrasound controlled paclitaxel releasing system-A novel method for improving the availability of coronary artery drug coated balloon.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to improve local-drug delivery efficiency and tissue absorption using the ultrasound (US)-responsible drug coating based on a newly developed US-controlled paclitaxel release balloon.

Background: Low availability of the drug coating remains a major concern of the current drug coated balloon (DCB). The goal of this study is to develop a method to use an US-responsible paclitaxel-loaded microcapsules (PM) as the main content of balloon drug coating to enhance bioavailability of DCB.

Research on elastic recoil and restoration of vessel pulsatility of Zn-Cu biodegradable coronary stents.

Coronary stents made of zinc (Zn)-0.8 copper (Cu) (in wt%) alloy were developed as biodegradable metal stents (Zn-Cu stents) in this study. The mechanical properties of the Zn-Cu stents and the possible gain effects were characterized by in vitro and in vivo experiments compared with 316L stainless steel stents (316L stents).

Long-term in vivo study of biodegradable Zn-Cu stent: A 2-year implantation evaluation in porcine coronary artery.

In the present study, a novel biodegradable Zn-0.8Cu coronary artery stent was fabricated and implanted into porcine coronary arteries for up to 24 months. Micro-CT analysis showed that the implanted stent was able to maintain structural integrity after 6 months, while its disintegration occurred after 9 months of implantation.