Induced Human-like Coronary Stenosis in Hypercholesterolemic PCSK9 Minipigs

TL;DR

Researchers created a pig model with human-like coronary artery blockages using special stents, which could help study heart disease.

Contribution

A novel preclinical model of obstructive coronary artery disease using bioresorbable stents in hypercholesterolemic PCSK9 minipigs was developed.

Findings

Bioresorbable stent implantation in PCSK9 minipigs led to significant reduction in minimal lumen area over six months.

Histological analysis showed advanced stenosis resembling human coronary artery disease.

The model may serve as a feasible translational tool for obstructive coronary artery disease research.

Abstract

Translational models for obstructive coronary artery disease are lacking. We aimed to develop a porcine model for obstructive coronary stenosis induced by bioresorbable stent (BRS) implantation in hypercholesterolemic proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK9) minipigs. Fifteen hypercholesterolemic PCSK9 minipigs were randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention with Magmaris, Absorb or Desolve BRS. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were performed at baseline and 6-months followed by histology. Matched OCT analysis showed minimal lumen area decreased from 7.62 ± 1.54 mm2 at baseline to 2.12 ± 0.92 mm2 at follow-up in the Magmaris group, from 6.99 ± 1.49 mm2 to 3.07 ± 1.52 mm2 in the Absorb group, and from 6.05 ± 1.11 mm2 to 2.65 ± 0.93 mm2 in the Desolve group. Histologic examination revealed advanced human-like stenosis. BRS implantation in hypercholesterolemic PCSK9 minipigs induced human-like stenoses and may serve as a feasible preclinical model for obstructive coronary artery disease.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12265-025-10607-0.

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