title: Scanning electron microscopy for flow-diverting stent research: technical tips and tricks.
abstract: Flow-diverting (FD) stents represent a new concept in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms with challenging anatomical dispositions. Having been introduced to clinical practice only in the last 5 years and featuring complex mechanisms of action, they are still under research. Scanning electron microscopy, as part of an animal research protocol, provides detailed surface observations of neointimal healing at the aneurysm's neck, as well as covered side branch ostia, allowing for the confirmation of scientific hypotheses and observations. Technical adaptations of preparation protocols are presented based on a pilot study on Large White pigs, stented with FD stents at carotid bifurcations.
authors.affiliation: CHU de Limoges, Service de Neuroradiologie Interventionnelle, F-87000 Limoges, France Université de Limoges, Équipe de Recherche Médicale Appliquée, F-87000 Limoges, France christina.iosif@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Iosif
authors.affiliation: Science of Ceramic Processes and Surface Treatments, CNRS, UMR 7315, European Ceramic Center, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carles
authors.affiliation: Science of Ceramic Processes and Surface Treatments, CNRS, UMR 7315, European Ceramic Center, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Trolliard
authors.affiliation: Université de Limoges, Équipe de Recherche Médicale Appliquée, F-87000 Limoges, France Service de Cytologie et Cytogénétique HME, F-87000 Limoges, France.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yardin
authors.affiliation: CHU de Limoges, Service de Neuroradiologie Interventionnelle, F-87000 Limoges, France Université de Limoges, Équipe de Recherche Médicale Appliquée, F-87000 Limoges, France.
authors.forename: Charbel
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mounayer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000601:surgery; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000601:surgery*; D020767:Intracranial Thrombosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015607:Stents; D013552:Swine
keywords: chemical fixation; critical point drying; endothelialization; flow-diverting stent; ostium; scanning electron microscopy