[Bioresorbable scaffolds - nobody is perfect (yet)]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Interventional Cardiology

Context:

• Drug-eluting stents have advanced coronary angioplasty outcomes.
• Permanent metallic stent struts may cause long-term issues like late thrombosis and impaired vasomotion.
• Bioresorbable stents aim to provide temporary support and then disappear, restoring natural vessel function.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bioresorbable stents compared to metallic drug-eluting stents.
• To explore the potential of bioresorbable stents in mitigating long-term adverse effects associated with permanent metallic implants.

Summary:

• New generation drug-eluting stents offer improved outcomes in coronary angioplasty.
• Bioresorbable stents demonstrate non-inferiority to new generation metallic drug-eluting stents in recent randomized studies.
• Challenges remain in the clinical application and long-term performance of bioresorbable stents.

Impact:

• Bioresorbable stents may reduce long-term risks such as neoatherosclerosis and late stent thrombosis.
• Restoration of physiological vasomotion and endothelial function is a key potential benefit.
• Successful implementation of bioresorbable stents could revolutionize coronary artery revascularization.