An Era of Coronary Stents

The majority of percutaneous coronary intervention cases are performed using drug eluting stents. Trials have consistently demonstrated lower rates of in stent restenosis and repeat revascularization with drug eluting stents when compared with bare metal stents. Stent technology has improved over the decade with changes in the thickness of stent struts, polymer coating and ease of stent delivery to the desired location. Furthermore shorter duration of antiplatelet therapy appears to be a promising option with the biolimus A9 polymer free drug carrier stent. This is particularly beneficial in patients who are deemed to be at high risk of bleeding such as those who are prescribed coexisting anticoagulation. The development of the bioresorbable stent allows the stent to be resorbed over time so that the stent is no longer present in the vessel thus avoiding the problems seen with conventional stents such as in stent restenosis.