Post-stenting arterial healing: an in vitro impedance study

The permanent implantation of a stent into a coronary artery is a common method for ameliorating vessel narrowing arising from atherosclerosis. Following the procedure, preferable arterial wall healing is characterised by regrowth of an Endothelial Cell (EC) monolayer over the exposed stent surface, reducing the risk of thrombosis. However restenosis, predominantly comprising the proliferation of Smooth Muscle Cells (SMCs) can cause vessel narrowing. Previous research has suggested that the stent itself could be used as an electrode to analyse the critical post stenting recovery phase, informing clinicians without the need for invasive imaging.