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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Murine Model of Stent Implantation in the Carotid Artery for the Study of Restenosis
Published on: May 14, 2013
Endothelial dysfunction after drug eluting stent implantation
M van den Heuvel1, O Sorop, H M M van Beusekom
1Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) can impair endothelial function, affecting barrier integrity, inflammation, and vascular tone. These effects may extend distally, posing risks beyond the stented area.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in coronary artery disease (CAD) and adverse outcomes post-coronary drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation.
- Understanding the impact of DES on endothelial function is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the effects of coronary DES on endothelial function.
- To explore the mechanisms and clinical implications of DES-induced endothelial dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of clinical and experimental studies.
- Analysis of data on endothelial barrier function, adhesion, thrombosis, inflammation, and vascular tone.
Main Results:
- Both general stenting and DES appear to impair endothelial functions.
- DES-induced endothelial dysfunction can affect vascular beds distal to the stent.
- Mechanisms underlying DES-induced endothelial dysfunction are being elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Coronary DES can negatively impact endothelial function in ways that extend beyond the local stented region.
- Further research into clinical complications and potential solutions for DES-associated endothelial dysfunction is warranted.
Abstract:
Endothelial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathological process of coronary artery disease as well as an adverse event after coronary drug eluting stent (DES) implantation. In this review, an overview will be given of the evidence to date regarding the effects of coronary DES on endothelial function obtained from both clinical and experimental studies. Stenting in general and DES seem to impair several aspects of endothelial function: provision of a permeable barrier function; modulation of adhesion, thrombosis and inflammation; and regulation of vascular tone. However, new insights show that the effects of DES can extend beyond the stent and peri-stent area: the vascular bed distal to the stent, starting with the distal conduit vessels up to the distal microvasculature, might be at risk. In addition, insight into the mechanism of DES induced endothelial dysfunction has been gained. To finalize this review, clinical complications and solutions of DES associated endothelial dysfunction will be discussed.
