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${\pm}$85 cells vs. 159${\pm}$80 cells, p=0.048). There was no significant difference in the fibrin score between the two groups (0.16${\pm}$0.34 in the dual-coated stent group vs. 0.25${\pm}$0.48 in the control stent group, p=0.446). The neointima area was not significantly different between both groups (1.55${\pm}$0.8 $mm^2$ in dual-coated stent group vs. 1.40${\pm}$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.