Novel bifurcation stents coated with bioabsorbable nanofibers with extended and controlled release of rosuvastatin and paclitaxel

A novel bifurcation stent coated with bioabsorbable nanofibers that deliver the extended and controlled release of rosuvastatin and paclitaxel was developed. Bioabsorbable bifurcation stents, consisting of a double-slit tubular main body and two spiral branches, were manufactured. Bi-layered poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofibers that contained rosuvastatin and paclitaxel were used for treating the stents. Various properties of the fabricated stents, including compression strengths, collapse pressure, water contact angle and flow properties within a circulation model, were quantified. In vitro nanofibrous elution chromatography assays from the drug-loading bifurcation stents were carried out for the release patterns of pharmaceuticals. The effectiveness of eluted rosuvastatin and paclitaxel in inhibiting the adhesion of platelets as well as the proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were studied, respectively. The experimental results suggest that bioabsorbable nanofibrous bifurcation stents released high concentrations of rosuvastatin and paclitaxel for 27 and 70 days, respectively. The eluted drugs of rosuvastatin and paclitaxel effectively reduced adherent platelets and the proliferation of SMCs. The developed bioabsorbable nanofibrous bifurcation stents herein may provide a promising means of treating cardiovascular bifurcation lesions.