In vivo comparison of a polymer‐free Biolimus A9‐eluting stent with a biodegradable polymer‐based Biolimus A9 eluting stent and a bare metal stent in balloon denuded and radiated hypercholesterolemic rabbit iliac arteries

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a polymer‐free Biolimus A9‐eluting stent [BioFreedom™ (BF)], compared with that of a biodegradable polymer‐based Biolimus A9‐eluting stent [BioMatrix Flex™ (BMF)] and a bare metal stent (BMS) in balloon denuded and radiated hypercholesterolemic rabbit iliac arteries. Methods: Rabbits were fed with 1% cholesterol diet ( n = 14) for 14 days, both iliac arteries were balloon denuded and radiated, and then rabbits were switched to 0.15% cholesterol diet. After 4 weeks, BF ( n = 8), BMF ( n = 8), and BMS ( n = 8) were deployed in denuded and radiated areas. Four weeks later animals were euthanized, arterial segments were processed for morphometry. Results: The neointimal area in vessels implanted with BF stents was significantly less than that seen in vessels implanted with BMS (0.90 mm 2 ± 0.14 vs. 1.29 mm 2 ± 0.23, P <0.01). Percent fibrin and fibrin score were higher with BMF stents compared to BMS ( P <0.03 and <0.04) and giant cell number was significantly higher with both BMF and BF stents ( P < 0.01 for both). Percent endothelialization was significantly higher and % uncovered struts were lower with BMS compared to either BMF or BF stents ( P < 0.05 for both). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that compared to BMS, BF stents significantly decreased neointimal hyperplasia. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.