Effect of a Dual Drug-Coated Stent With Abciximab and Alpha-Lipoic Acid in a Porcine Coronary Restenosis Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of a stent coated with abciximab and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in a porcine coronary overstretch restenosis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 pigs were randomized into two groups (10 pigs, 10 coronaries in each group) in which the coronary arteries were stented with a dual-coated stent and a bare metal stent (control) by randomization. Stents were deployed with oversizing (stent/artery ratio 1.3 : 1) in the porcine coronary arteries, and histopathology was assessed 28 days after stenting. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the injury score between the two groups. In the neointima, the lymphohistiocyte count was significantly lower in dual-coat stent group compared with the control stent group (120±85 cells vs. 159±80 cells, p=0.048). There was no significant difference in the fibrin score between the two groups (0.16±0.34 in the dual-coated stent group vs. 0.25±0.48 in the control stent group, p=0.446). The neointima area was not significantly different between both groups (1.55±0.8 mm(2) in dual-coated stent group vs. 1.40±0.86 mm(2) in the control stent group, p=0.447). CONCLUSION: Although the dual-coated stent with abciximab and ALA showed no significant difference in inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia when compared with the bare metal stent, it was associated with a reduced inflammatory reaction when compared with the control stent in a porcine coronary restenosis model.