Biodegradable vascular stents of corrosive alloys (NOR-I):
Investigation of the in vivo biocompatibility

(Dr. Matthias Peuster, Clinic for Congenital Heart Defects, Heart and Diabetes Centre North Rhine Westfalia, Bad Oeynhausen, Email: mpeuster@hdz-nrw.de)

In this project, the biocompatibility of biodegradable iron stents is evaluated in a porcine animal model. Assessment of the biological acceptance is accomplished by histomorphometry of the neointimal proliferation and by use of molecular biological methods. Eventual systemic toxicity is determined by macro and microscopic evaluation of internal organs and by clinical chemistry. The degradation process is evaluated by metallurgical examination of the explanted stent struts.