Bioresorbable scaffolds in interventional radiology: Current concepts and future direction

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Radiology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Endovascular management of atherosclerotic lesions has advanced significantly with stent technology.
• Metallic stents, while effective, pose risks like restenosis, occlusion, and late failure.
• Permanent metallic stents necessitate long-term antiplatelet therapy and can cause imaging artifacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the need for bioresorbable stents in interventional radiology.
• To explore vascular healing and factors contributing to stent failure.
• To discuss the potential of bioresorbable scaffolds in endovascular therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of vascular healing processes.
• Analysis of patient- and stent-related factors in stent failure.
• Exploration of bioresorbable stent development and clinical evidence.

Main Results:

• Bioresorbable scaffolds represent the next frontier in endovascular therapy.
• These devices have the potential to transform interventional radiology practices.
• Current clinical evidence and future perspectives highlight their promise.

Conclusions:

• Bioresorbable stents address limitations of permanent metallic stents.
• They offer a pathway to improved patient outcomes and reduced long-term morbidity.
• Continued development and clinical evaluation are crucial for widespread adoption.