OBJECTIVETo prepare a biodegradable drug-eluting stent in myocardium channel and evaluate its effect on myocardium channel after transmyocardial revascularization (TMR).

METHODSA biodegradable drug-eluting stent was prepared using poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) as material of stent, model protein drug, and drug carrier respectively. The amount of BSA in stent and in vitro released BSA of stent were determined by the Coomassie brilliant blue assay. The mechanical strength of stent was tested by universal material testing machines. The material and structure of stent was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The effect of stent on myocardium channel after TMR was evaluated in vivo by a standard animal model of chronic myocardial ischemia in miniswine.

RESULTSThe stent could carry 13.1 microg BSA per mg of stent and the stent could release about 95% of BSA after 30 days. The stent diminished 80% of initial scale under the stress of 1.7 Mpa. It also kept the myocardium channel patency after TMR.

CONCLUSIONSA biodegradable drug-eluting stent in myocardium channel was successfully prepared. It can sustain the pressure from the heart and achieve the controlled release of drug. The stent can ensure the myocardium channel patency after TMR.