ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an introduction to the development of polymeric endovascular stents, with the indications-for-use in peripheral and coronary revascularization. Tsuji and Tamai and coworkers stated, “The success of biodegradable stents depends on not only the biocompatibility of the stent materials but also the ability of the manufactured stent itself” [1]. Because the ultimate goal is to have a device that is both clinically and commercially viable, the process of product realization is woven into this discussion with examples drawn from current clinical and preclinical experience. The objective is to present the story of polymeric endovascular stents, in a translational approach, putting the current body of work into context of the development path, and to draw attention to some of the multitude of interactions that can affect device ef€cacy and viability. What are commonly referred to as “stent-grafts,” for the exclusion of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, will only be mentioned in regard to the potential for a polymeric primary stent platform, leaving fuller discussion of the polymers used for their outer and inner lining constructs to chapters discussing vascular grafts and tissue
CONTENTS
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 89 Clinical Prelude .....................................................................................................90 Polymeric Stent Development Background ...................................................... 92 The Design Envelope ............................................................................................ 96 Current Approaches .............................................................................................99
