# 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.

## Key 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.