Radiopacity of Coronary Stents, an In Vitro Comparative Study

Interventional cardiology devices and especially stents are constantly evolving. A good radiopacity is essential to properly position the stent and to reduce the risk of complications during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We wanted to assess the radiopacity of coronary stents. 9 stents were evaluated. Stents were deployed in a silicon bifurcation model and several pulsed fluoroscopy acquisitions (7.5 and 15 pulses/s) of each device were performed in a catheterization laboratory. Quantitative radiopacity assessment was performed using a radiopacity visual scale and qualitative radiopacity assessment was performed by showing the images to three experienced operators, single-blind. Our study showed statistically significant differences between stents regarding radiopacity assessed in a quantitative analysis (p < 0.000001) or a qualitative analysis (p < 0.000001), whether the acquisitions were made in 7.5 or 15 pulses/s. Resolute Onyx and Synergy were the most radio-opaque in both qualitative and qualitative analysis. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between the radiopacity of stents, their strut thickness (p < 0.0001) and the presence of platinum in their metallic alloy (p < 0.0001). This study highlighted significant differences in the radiopacity of coronary stents deployed in a bench test model. The strut thickness and the presence of platinum increased the radiopacity.