Influence of stent edge angle on endothelialization in an in vitro model.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence of topographic features in the path of migrating endothelial cells, specifically the effect of edge angle of intravascular metallic material on endothelialization.


METHODS
Flat 1-cm x 1-cm 316-L pieces of stainless steel were placed on confluent monolayers of human aortic endothelial cells. The thickness of each metal piece was ground to achieve an edge angle of 35 degrees, 70 degrees, 90 degrees, or 140 degrees (n = 6 each) in relation to the endothelial surface. Migration distance and density of endothelial cell coverage on the metal pieces were measured in groups of six each under static conditions at 4, 7, and 11 days and flow conditions (16 dynes/cm(2)) at 4 days.


RESULTS
Endothelial cell migration distance along the surface of the pieces with edge angles of 35 degrees was significantly greater than that with those with larger angles (P < .05) under static and flow conditions. The migration distances on the 35 degrees piece were 87.5%, 47.3%, 57.1%, and 66.1% greater than those on the 90 degrees piece at the upstream, downstream, right, and left edges, respectively. There were no significant differences in cell density among different angle groups under flow or static conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The edge angle of intravascular metallic material has an influence on the rate of endothelialization. A smaller edge angle facilitates endothelialization over metallic material when compared to a larger angle. These results demonstrate the importance of metallic stent profile on endothelialization rate.
Hamuro
M
M
Department of Radiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA. hamuro@pathology.uthscsa.edu
Palmaz
J C
JC
Sprague
E A
EA
Fuss
C
C
Luo
J
J
D002465:Cell Movement; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D015607:Stents