Mechanical properties of the drug‐eluting bioresorbable magnesium scaffold compared with polymeric scaffolds and a permanent metallic drug‐eluting stent

OBJECTIVES: To compare on the bench the physical and mechanical properties of Magmaris, a magnesium bioresorbable scaffold (BRS), with Absorb and DESolve polymeric BRS and a permanent metallic stent. BACKGROUND: Understanding the mechanical and physical properties of BRS is crucial for appropriate implantation and postdilatation. METHODS: Testing was performed in fluid at 37°C and in silicone bifurcation phantoms with a 30° angle between main branch (MB) and side branch. RESULTS: The 3.0‐mm Magmaris BRS did not fracture after MB postdilatation up to 4.4 mm in contrast to the Absorb where the safe postdilatation diameter was 3.7 mm. For dilatation through stent cells, there were no Magmaris fractures with 3.0‐mm noncompliant (NC) balloons inflated to nominal pressure. Mini‐kissing balloon postdilatation with two 3.0‐mm NC balloons up to 17 atm was without fracture except for an outlier. Longitudinal and radial strengths were similar for Magmaris and Absorb BRS. The crossing profile for the Magmaris was larger than other devices. Recoil 120 min after deployment was the greatest for Magmaris but 120 min after 3.5 mm postdilatation all devices had similar diameters. CONCLUSIONS: The Magmaris BRS was more resistant to strut fracture than Absorb. It had a larger crossing profile than other devices and similar radial and longitudinal strengths to Absorb. While recoil after deployment was greater with Magmaris, 120 min after 3.5 mm postdilatation all devices had similar diameters.