Marked Inflammatory Sequelae to Implantation of Biodegradable and Nonbiodegradable Polymers in Porcine Coronary Arteries

Abstract

An array of both biodegradable and nonbiodegradable polymers has been demonstrated to induce a marked inflammatory reaction within the coronary artery with subsequent neointimal thickening, which was not expected on the basis of in vitro tests. The observed tissue response may be attributable to a combination of parent polymer compound, biodegradation products, and possibly implant geometry.