De biologisch oplosbare coronaire stent

The routine placement of permanent metal stents has led to an improvement of the long-term and short-term effects of percutaneous coronary interventions. Treatment with the newest generation of drug-eluting stents results in a low risk of restenosis. The antiproliferative drug eluted by these stents, however, prevents endothelialisation; this leads to an increased risk of exposed metallic stent parts, which in turn leads to a higher risk of stent thrombosis. There is evidence that the vessel wall support provided by the stent is only a temporary requirement. Permanent metallic stents could, therefore, be superfluous in the long term. A bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS), manufactured from polylactic acid and completely resorbed within 18-24 months, is a new alternative. It is expected that these scaffolds will lead to the disappearance of the risk of late stent thrombosis. Theoretically, the bioresorbable vascular scaffold also provides a considerable advantage for patients who will probably have to undergo further coronary intervention in the future. Metal stents can be an important limiting factor for these patients.

Conflict of interest: P.W. Serruys and J.J. Piek received payment for consultancy from Abbott Vascular International.