A fresh look at bioresorbable scaffold technology: Intuition pumps

Bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) are a new enticing treatment option in coronary interventions. Absorb BVS™ Is the most widely used and researched polymer based BRS, eluting everolimus. However currently it has several technical limitations; low radial support, larger strut size, poor visualization, poor deliverability and complex implantation technique. Magnesium based BRS are an alternate but they are also limited not only by lower radial support and poor visualization but also earlier bio-absorption. Material processing: blow-molding, annealing, polymer orientation, change in composition and use of higher molecular weight polymer, as well new polymers like tyrosine or salicyclate analogs and even hybrid (polymer and metallic) combined with intelligent cell design has led to evolution of BRS technology. Newer BRS has higher radial strength, lower strut thickness, improved visualization, ease of scaffold implantation as also optimal bio-resorption time.