Early endothelisation of balloon-expandable stents: experimental observations

Complete endothelisation of the surfaces of balloon-expandable metallic stents implanted in normal rabbit aortas occurs within a week and is preceded by fibrinous thrombus deposition. Although re-endothelisation seems to occur by lateral growth of endothelial patches between stent struts, other mechanisms cannot be ruled out. Early endothelisation of the stent surface is of utmost importance for the maintainance of prolonged patency particularly with stents of small calibre or in low flow situations.