eurekalert.org
A novel laser patterning technology could transform cardiovascular stent surgery, offering a drug-free solution to common complications like restenosis. Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed a novel surface treatment for stents that promotes vascular healing by controlling cellular responses to nanostructured patterns.
Stents are critical for treating vascular diseases by keeping narrowed or blocked blood vessels open. However, traditional metal stents often cause restenosis—a re-narrowing of arteries triggered by excessive smooth muscle cell growth—while drug-eluting stents, a common alternative, can inhibit endothelial cell proliferation, increasing the risk of thrombosis.
To address these limitations, the KIST team applied nanosecond laser texturing to create nano- and micro-scale wrinkle patterns on nickel-titanium alloy surfaces. These patterns selectively modulate vascular cell behaviors, reducing smooth muscle cell growth by 75% and promoting endothelial cell proliferation, according to in vitro and ex vivo studies. Additionally, angiogenesis was found to more than double on the textured surfaces, demonstrating the potential for accelerated vascular recovery without drug-based interventions.
This innovation could significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of stent treatments. The laser-textured surfaces not only minimize the risk of restenosis but also encourage the rapid restoration of the vascular lining, potentially reducing the need for anticoagulant medications. Moreover, the technology's compatibility with both metal and biodegradable stents broadens its applicability. In biodegradable stents, these patterns could improve outcomes by supporting vascular healing before the stents dissolve.
Dr. Hojeong Jeon, lead researcher on the project, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough: “This study demonstrates the potential of surface patterns to selectively control vascular cell responses without drugs. Using widely industrialized nanosecond lasers allows for precise and rapid stent surface processing, offering significant advantages for commercialization and process efficiency.”
As vascular diseases rise in aging populations worldwide, advancements like these could redefine how stents are designed and deployed, potentially improving quality of life for millions of patients. The KIST team is preparing for animal trials and clinical studies to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of this innovative technology.