Abstract:

BACKGROUND: As an effective approach for arterial stenosis, endovascular stent has rapidly developed in clinic. However, there are high and potential risks.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze features and developing condition of different endovascular stent materials.
METHODS: A computer-based online search of PubMed and VIP databases was performed for articles related effects of various endovascular stent materials on arterial stenosis published between 2001 and 2010. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Balloon-expanding stent has compliance and strong supporting force. However, it is deformable following external force. Novel balloon-expanding stent can reduce rate of restenosis, but it is not cost-effective. Self-expandable stent has strong supporting force and compliance, and good adherence, which prevents dead space formation; the stent is not shortened following release, but there are risks for breakage during expanding. Braided stent exhibits good flexibility and can be retrieved when the stent is not completely released. However, it is shortened following release, so the position of stent is difficult to identify. In addition, its adherence is poor. With developing stent technology and popularization of novel materials, stent implantation has become important approach for departments of neurosurgery and neurology to treat cerebrovascular disease. It also functions as an effective method for prevention of ischemic stroke.