Atlas drug-eluting coronary stents inhibits neointimal hyperplasia in sheep modeling

Abstract Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Many patients with CAD require mechanical revascularization. However, restenosis after minimally invasive intervention is a major problem for these patients. Fortunately, due to the controlled drug delivery properties of drug-eluting stents (DES), this problem seems to be significantly overcome. In this study, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of Atlas sirolimus-eluting coronary stents coated with PLGA were evaluated. Materials and Methods This study was carried out in 20 non-atherosclerotic female sheep, divided into four groups that included 4 study and 1 control randomly assigned to each group. The animals in the study groups were stented with Atlas Drug-eluting coronary stents and the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties were evaluated. Results A statistically important effectivity of sirolimus on the vascular endothelium was shown. With time, the decrease in sirolimus in blood samples was statistically significant. In the others, no clinically significant side effects were observed. Conclusions The results in this study showed a significant reduction in neointimal hyperplasia after experimental implantation of Atlas drug-eluting stents coated with PLGA polymer. Pharmacokinetic studies also showed that the stent did not release significant left sirolimus after 28 days.