Magnetizable intravascular stents for sequestration of systemically circulating magnetic nano- and microspheres

A 2-D theoretical model was established and used to evaluate the sequestration of blood borne magnetic nano- and microspheres by a magnetizable intravascular stent system. Furthermore, an in vitro flow model system examined the efficiency of a prototype magnetizable intravascular stent to sequestrate the nano- and microspheres from arterial and/or venous blood flow. Comparisons of experimental and corresponding modeling data verified theoretical predictions. The results suggest that the magnetizable intravascular stents can be developed as an effective magnetic drug-targeting tool with potential medical applications.