Bioresorbable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stents: A Solid Presence in Cath-Labs, but Enough?

Several generations of drug-eluting stents (DES) have followed, trying to reduce the invasiveness of metal struts and device-related complications. Yet, despite the achievement of very low rates of stent thrombosis (<1%) and restenosis (<5%), these events still impact the outcomes of patients with coronary artery disease, especially in more complex anatomical or clinical subsets.^,

The progressive reduction of metal strut thickness, with the development of new materials and stent design, has allowed to improve trackability and prevented the excessive caging of the vessel, being more respectful of vasomotion and side branches. In addition, diminishing the traumatic and inflammatory stimulus with thinner struts could account for fewer restenotic events.

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