Hybrid Biodegradable Polymer Stent Fabrication Using 3D Printers and Integration with Wireless Sensors for Real-Time Pressure Monitoring In Blood Vessels

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be a major cause of mortality worldwide. Although traditional treatment using stents has been effective in managing these diseases, it can lead to several adverse effects, including in-stent restenosis. To address this issue, we present the development of a novel hybrid polymer stent composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) that exhibits improved bending flexibility and radial force. The hybrid stent is integrated with a wireless sensor to enable real-time monitoring of pressure changes in the blood vessel. A MEMS-based LC-type wireless pressure sensor is fabricated, with unique microstructures incorporated into the stent to enhance the binding strength between the sensor and the stent. This approach holds promise for improving the clinical outcomes of CVD patients by providing accurate and timely detection of restenosis.