In a groundbreaking advancement for cardiovascular treatments, a research team led by Dr. Hojeong Jeon and Dr. Hyung-Seop Han from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has developed an innovative stent surface treatment technology. The new approach, based on laser patterning, could significantly enhance vascular recovery without the adverse side effects typically associated with drug-eluting stents. 

As South Korea’s population ages rapidly, the incidence of vascular diseases is increasing, making the need for effective treatments more pressing. Traditional stents, used to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels, have limitations, particularly in the form of restenosis—the re-narrowing of arteries. This issue arises due to excessive smooth muscle cell growth, which can occur one month after the stent is implanted. To address these concerns, the research team at KIST has developed a novel solution using laser patterning technology on the surfaces of stents.

The team’s breakthrough uses nanosecond laser texturing to create nano- and micro-scale wrinkle patterns on the surface of nickel-titanium alloy stents. These patterns encourage endothelial cell growth, which is essential for the healing process, while inhibiting the proliferation of smooth muscle cells that can lead to restenosis. By carefully controlling the vascular cell responses to these nanostructured patterns, the technology holds promise for improving long-term treatment outcomes.

“The laser-textured surfaces create an ideal environment for endothelial cell proliferation, which is key for restoring the vascular lining,” said Dr. Jeon. “At the same time, they effectively suppress the excessive growth of smooth muscle cells, addressing a major issue with traditional metal stents.”

The wrinkle patterns also enhance cellular adhesion, further promoting the re-endothelialization process. The research demonstrated that smooth muscle cell growth was reduced by approximately 75% on the laser-treated surfaces, while angiogenesis—blood vessel formation—was increased more than twofold. This suggests that the new stent surfaces can significantly improve blood flow restoration after implantation.

In addition to traditional metal stents, the technology shows potential for use in biodegradable stents. These stents dissolve over time, and by applying the same laser patterning technique, researchers aim to improve endothelial cell growth before the stent dissolves. This could prevent restenosis and improve treatment outcomes, reducing the risk of complications associated with the degradation process.

The team’s initial results, obtained through in vitro vascular cell studies and ex vivo angiogenesis assays using fetal animal bones, are promising. However, further tests, including animal trials and clinical studies, are needed to validate the long-term safety and efficacy of this technology.

The technology holds promise not only for cardiovascular applications but also for a wide range of medical devices that require precise surface modifications. The use of widely industrialized nanosecond lasers for surface patterning offers significant advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and scalability. The precision and speed of the laser process make it highly adaptable for commercial use, potentially revolutionizing stent production and surgical practices.

Dr. Jeon emphasized, “This study demonstrates the potential of surface patterns to selectively control vascular cell responses without drugs. The ability to rapidly process stent surfaces with laser technology could lead to more efficient and affordable treatments for cardiovascular diseases.”

The research team is now focused on conducting further studies to confirm the technology's clinical viability. They plan to begin animal testing soon, with the goal of advancing to human clinical trials. If successful, this new technology could mark a major shift in stent surgery, offering a safer, more effective alternative to current treatments.

As the world’s elderly population continues to grow, particularly in countries like South Korea, the demand for advanced cardiovascular treatments will only increase. Innovations like this laser patterning technology represent a crucial step forward in the quest to improve the lives of millions suffering from vascular diseases.

The laser patterning technology developed by Dr. Jeon, Dr. Han, and their team at KIST could revolutionize the way stents are used to treat cardiovascular diseases. By controlling vascular cell responses and promoting endothelial growth while avoiding the risks associated with drugs, this technology could significantly enhance patient outcomes, making it a promising solution for the future of cardiovascular care.