Biodegradable stents made up of polymers are used to widen arteries and has the potential to scaffold these arteries to allow natural healing to take place, and then biodegrade. However, although biodegradable stents were shown to be effective, these polymers are radiolucent and monitoring its location and integrity over time is a challenge. In this study, we infused polycaprolactone (PCL) with different concentrations of iodixanol and electrospun to create a radiopaque, biodegradable stent. Using scanning electron microscopy, we determined the morphology and calculated the porosity of the polymeric material. Young’s modulus was calculated using atomic force microscopy, while the amount of iodine was quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Radiopacity was examined using x-ray and micro-CT imaging systems. In vitro cytotoxicity was tested against RF24 immortalized human vascular endothelial cells. Results show that the morphology, porosity, and Young’s Modulus of PCL was not changed when iodixanol was incorporated within the polymer. Figure 1 shows that there is an increased signal enhancement in iodixanol-infused PCL compared to PCL alone. Cytotoxicity was observed in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, we were able to develop a radiopaque, biodegradable stent that might have the potential for monitoring the position and integrity of the stent over time. Successful development of imaging enhancers for stents may also lead to widespread use of biodegradable devices in other cardiovascular and orthopedic applications.

Radiopaque stents based on electrospun iodixanol/polycaprolactone nanofibrous composites

256th National Meeting (2018)

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