3D printing of patient specific bioresorbable cardiovascular stents

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases, in particular atherosclerosis, is currently the leading cause of death worldwide with increasing numbers due to an aging population. Recently, the first bioresorbable stent (BRS), Absorb GT1 (Abbott, USA) was approved by the FDA, consequently sparking enthusiasm in BRSs and degradable polymeric biomaterials. Polymeric BRSs have been shown to be comparable to DES with the added advantage of naturally breaking down in the body within 2 years. Unfortunately, market available stents continue to offer a limited range of geometries and sizes which might not adapt to a patient’s unique lesion and vessel. Relatively a new field, additive manufacturing (AM) has been able to provide biocompatible patient specific devices for dental and orthopedic applications, resulting in a less costly and speedy recovery. However, limited developments and research exist within stents and cardiovascular applications. Thanks to the extensive research in polymeric biomaterials and their compatibility of some with AM techniques, printing of 4 mm cardiovascular stents is introduced with an Ultimaker 2+, Freeformer and Form 1+ to provide viability and printing parameter information for the printing of cardiovascular stents with PLA and PCL based biomaterials. Establishment of structural, morphological, mechanical, chemical and biodegradability characteristics with regard to material and AM technique, ideally provides a starting point for further development in the field.