Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds: A Disappearing Technology, But Should We Let It Vanish?

Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffolds were designed to overcome the limitations imposed by drug-eluting stents; however, the Absorb BVS showed a 2% very late thrombosis rate. Suboptimal implantation technique has been proposed as a mechanism for the higher BVS thrombosis rate; one posthoc analysis suggested adequate pre- and postdilation in addition to proper sizing could reduce BVS thrombosis rates by 70%. This case acts as a proof of concept demonstrating advantages of BVS, namely, the ability to image the target vessel non-invasively and revascularize percutaneously or surgically if required. We advocate continued research and development in this technology given the attractive advantages, particularly in younger patients who are likely to require future coronary intervention and imaging.