Are Flow Diverter Stents Absorbed or Bioabsorbable Inside the Brain?
In the field of contemporary neurointervention, flow diverter stents have emerged as a revolutionary treatment for intracranial aneurysms. These stents are designed to redirect blood flow away from aneurysms, promoting healing and reducing the risk of rupture. However, a common question that arises is whether these flow diverter stents are absorbed or bioabsorbable once implanted inside the brain.
What Are Flow Diverter Stents?
Flow diverter stents are cylindrical devices made of metal alloys, typically nickel-titanium (nitinol) or cobalt-chromium. They are designed to be flexible enough to navigate the complex vascular pathways of the brain and strong enough to provide long-term support. Once placed across an aneurysm, the stent redirects blood flow away from the aneurysm, promoting clot formation within the aneurysm and reducing the risk of rupture.
Are Flow Diverter Stents Bioabsorbable?
As of now, the majority of flow diverter stents used in clinical practice are biocompatible and not bioabsorbable. They are designed to remain permanently within the blood vessels of the brain. The primary reason for this permanence is to provide a long-term solution that ensures continuous redirection of blood flow and sustained support to the aneurysm site. The materials used in these stents are biocompatible, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions within the body.
Why Aren’t They Bioabsorbable?
- Durability and Stability: The permanence of these stents offers a reliable and consistent diversion of blood flow, which is crucial for the treatment of complex aneurysms. A bioabsorbable stent might not provide the same level of long-term stability required to prevent aneurysm rupture.
- Healing Process: The healing and remodeling of blood vessels around the aneurysm can take a significant amount of time. A permanent stent ensures that the vessel remains supported throughout this extended healing period.
- Technological Limitations: While the concept of bioabsorbable stents is being explored in other areas of medicine, such as cardiology, the specific challenges of the cerebral environment have made the development of bioabsorbable neurovascular stents more complex. The brain’s vasculature is highly sensitive, and any foreign material needs to maintain functionality without compromising safety.
Advances and Future Directions:
Research in the field of bioabsorbable materials continues to advance. Scientists and medical engineers are exploring new materials and technologies that could potentially lead to the development of bioabsorbable flow diverters in the future. These innovations could offer benefits such as reduced long-term foreign body presence and improved natural vessel healing. However, until these technologies are proven safe and effective in the intricate and sensitive environment of the brain, permanent flow diverter stents remain the standard of care.
Conclusion:
Flow diverter stents have transformed the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, offering a life-saving option for many patients. Currently, these Flow diverter stents are not bioabsorbable and are designed to remain permanently within the brain’s blood vessels, providing essential support and ensuring long-term success of the treatment. As research and technology evolve, we may see the introduction of bioabsorbable options in the future, but for now, the durability and reliability of permanent stents remain paramount.
For patients , understanding the nature of these devices can help in making informed decisions and managing expectations regarding the treatment and its outcomes. Always consult with a Experienced Best Interventional neuroradiologist to get personalized advice and information about the best treatment options for specific medical conditions.
About the Author:
Name: DR . SURESH GIRAGANI
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGIST
DR. SURESH GIRAGANI CONSULTANT INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGIST at Apollo hospitals Jubilee Hills has more than sixteen years of clinical experience in vascular interventions with a special interest in neurovascular and peripheral vascular disease interventional procedures.