Biodegradable membrane‐covered stent from chitosan‐based polymers

Abstract Membrane‐covered devices could help treat disease of the vasculature such as aneurysm, rupture, and fistulas. They are also investigated to reduce embolic complication associated with revascularization of saphenous vein graft. The aim of this study is to design a clinically applicable biodegradable membrane‐covered stent based on the natural polysaccharide chitosan, which has been developed. The mechanical properties of the membrane is optimized through blending with polyethylene oxide (70:30% Wt CH:PEO). The membrane was able to sustain the mechanical deformation of the supporting self‐expandable metallic stents during its deployment. The membrane was demonstrated to resist physiological transmural pressure (burst pressure resistance >500 mm Hg) and presented a high‐water permeation resistance (1 mL/cm² min⁻¹ at 120 mmHg). The CH–PEO membrane showed a good hemocompatibility in an ex vivo assay. Heparin and hyaluronan surface complexation with the membrane further reduced platelet adhesion by 50.1 and 63% (p = 0.05). The ability of the membrane‐covered devices to be used as a drug reservoir was investigated using the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). SNP‐loaded membranes displayed significantly reduced platelet adhesion. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2005