Thesis
The intelligent stent
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2008
- Thesis identifier
- T12347
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Implantable medical devices have become the standard method for treating a variety of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, where the stent is the device of choice. The main postoperative problem with such devices is the difficulty associated with long term monitoring of the device-tissue interface. In stented patients, in-stent restenosis is a major clinical problem, characterised by neointimal hyperplasia that causes re-narrowing of the coronary arteries. Monitoring of this complication is available for symptomatic patients, generally using invasive techniques such as contrast angiography. An alternative, non-invasive method for monitoring in stent restenosis is proposed; based on increasing the functionality of the stent to include the ability to measure in-stent restenosis. This thesis details research carried out with the aim of demonstrating the feasibility of a self-reporting Intelligent Stent. Such a device could allow easier monitoring of in-stent restenosis and earlier diagnosis of problems, leading to more effective treatment. Sensor technology to measure in-stent restenosis was developed. Electrical impedance methods were utilised, including the novel step of employing the stent as the sensing surface. Cell monolayer studies were used to demonstrate that impedance can be correlated with proliferation, and that cell types may be differentiated through their impedance profiles, which may be useful in identifying the nature of neointimal tissue. An in vitro model of in-stent restenosis was developed, using organ culture of stented pig coronary arteries. It was found that changes in impedance observed in these models could be linked to the presence of tissue, and biological changes. Equivalent circuit modelling demonstrated how the impedance measured may be translated into parameters for quantifying neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. Wireless technologies were explored for remote monitoring of the device, using monopole antennae. Signal transmission through relevant thicknesses of biological material was investigated, and measurements of power loss were made.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Connolly, Patricia
- Kennedy, Simon
- Wadsworth, Roger
- Resource Type
- DOI
- Funder
- Embargo Note
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