Xinsorb Biodegradable Bioresorbable Device: Simplified Overview
The Xinsorb device is a biodegradable, sirolimus-eluting stent specifically designed to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), particularly in the right coronary artery. Coronary artery disease is a condition where plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, leading to the narrowing or blockage of blood flow to the heart. This can result in symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even heart attacks. Stents, like Xinsorb, are used to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow while supporting the arterial wall.
Understanding Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease develops due to atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaques) accumulate in the walls of arteries. Over time, these plaques harden and restrict blood flow. When the right coronary artery is affected, it can reduce oxygen supply to the right side of the heart, potentially causing:
- Ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle).
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
- Risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Treatment often involves stenting, where devices like Xinsorb are used to keep the artery open while also delivering therapeutic drugs to prevent complications such as restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery).
How Xinsorb Works
The Xinsorb device provides dual benefits:
- Mechanical Support: It props open the blocked artery to restore blood flow.
- Drug Delivery: It releases sirolimus, an anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drug that prevents the growth of scar tissue (neointimal hyperplasia), which can cause restenosis.
PLLA Characteristics in Xinsorb
To achieve its function, Xinsorb uses Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) as its core material, which is tailored for durability and controlled degradation. The key features of PLLA are:
- Medical-Grade PLLA
- High purity to reduce immune response and ensure safe degradation.
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- 100,000 to 150,000 g/mol: Provides mechanical strength while enabling controlled degradation.
- Intrinsic Viscosity (IV)
- 0.8 to 1.2 dL/g: Ensures adequate flexibility and stiffness for implantation.
- End-Termination
- Ester-Terminated PLLA: Slows the degradation process, ensuring the stent remains functional for the required therapeutic period.
- Crystallinity
- High crystallinity (>40%) ensures stability during and after implantation.
Degradation and Drug Release
The Xinsorb stent is designed to degrade over 28 days, during which PLLA undergoes hydrolysis, breaking down into lactic acid. The process is tightly controlled to:
- Maintain arterial support during the healing phase.
- Provide a steady release of sirolimus without premature scaffold loss.
Sirolimus Elution
- Releases 8 µg/mm of sirolimus consistently over the 28-day period.
- Sirolimus prevents restenosis by inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation and reducing inflammation at the site of stent placement.
Conclusion
The Xinsorb biodegradable stent offers a revolutionary solution for treating coronary artery disease in the right coronary artery. By combining medical-grade PLLA with precise degradation and drug-release properties, Xinsorb ensures effective treatment while eliminating the need for long-term implants. Its ability to address arterial blockage and prevent restenosis makes it a valuable tool in modern cardiology, providing patients with a safer and more effective treatment option.
Research Paper reference: https://www.internationaljournalofcardiology.com/article/S0167-5273(19)31288-4/abstract?utm_source