Micro‐CT and histopathology methods to assess host response of aneurysms treated with shape memory polymer foam‐coated coils versus bare metal coil occlusion devices

Recent studies utilizing shape memory polymer foams to coat embolizing coils have shown potential benefits over current aneurysm treatments. In the current study utilizing a rabbit‐elastase aneurysm model, the performance of test article (foam‐coated coil [FCC]) and control (bare platinum coils [BPCs]) devices were compared at 30, 90, and 180 days using micro‐CT and histological assessments. The host response was measured by identifying the cells regionally present within the aneurysm, and assessing the degree of residual debris and connective tissue. The 3D reconstructions of aneurysms provided context for histologic findings, and aided in the overall aneurysm assessment. At all time points, >75% of the cells categorized in each aneurysm were associated with a bioactive yet biocompatible host response (vs. the remainder of cells that were associated with acute inflammation). The extracellular matrix exhibited a transition from residual fibrin at 30 days to a greater degree of connective tissue at 90 and 180 days. Although the control BPC‐treated aneurysms exhibited a greater degree of connective tissue at the earliest time point examined (30 days), by 180 days, the FCC‐treated aneurysms had more connective tissue and less debris overall than the control aneurysms. When considering cell types and extracellular matrix composition, the overall host response scores were significantly better in FCC‐treated aneurysms at the later time point. Based on the results of these metrics, the FCC device may lead to an advanced tissue remodeling response over BPC occlusion devices.