Long-Term Vascular Responses to Resolute® and Xience V® Polymer-Based Drug-Eluting Stents in a Rabbit Model of Atherosclerosis

Objectives To assess the late postinterventional response to iliac stenting in atheromatous rabbits using the Xience V everolimus‐eluting stent (Xience V EES; Abbott Vascular) and the Resolute zotarolimus‐eluting stent (Resolute ZES; Medtronic Vascular) with the MultiLink Vision bare metal stent (BMS; Abbott Vascular) as a reference. Background Xience V EES and Resolute ZES were developed to overcome shortcomings of first‐generation DES. Methods Functional and microscopic changes were assessed by organ bath experiments and histopathologic examination. Gene expression was investigated using RT‐PCR. Results After 91 days, re‐endothelialization was nearly complete (BMS: 93 ± 3%; Resolute ZES: 92 ± 2%; Xience V EES: 94 ± 3%; P = 0.10). Neointima thickness was similar in Resolute ZES (0.17 ± 0.08 mm) and BMS (0.17 ± 0.09 mm), and reduced in Xience V EES (0.03 ± 0.01 mm; P