From biodegradable polymers to bioresorbable vascular scaffolds: available evidence in the era of new-generation drug-eluting stents

Abstract

New-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) encompass a large variety of coronary devices, featuring thin struts, biocompatible durable or biodegradable polymer coatings, and limus-eluting drugs. Due to improved early and long-term outcomes among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, new-generation metallic DES are recommended in almost all patient and lesion subsets. Available evidence from randomized trials indicates a similar safety and efficacy profile between biodegradable and durable polymers new-generation DES. Recently, polymer-free DES provided promising results particularly as alternative to bare-metal stents. Ultimately, although remaining conceptually solid, bioresorbable vascular scaffolds represent an immature technology owing to increased risk of thrombosis. In this review, we summarized current evidence about contemporary coronary devices.