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Published on: October 26, 2016
Evolution of Coronary Stents: From Birth to Future Trends
Zhuo Huang1,2, Charles Skarbek1,2,3, Yulin Li4,5
1Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science, Inserm U1148, 75018 Paris, France.
Insights
Coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment has advanced significantly with coronary stents. This review details the evolution of stents, from early angioplasty to modern innovations, improving patient outcomes and guiding future device development.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Cardiology
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Device Innovation
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects over 300 million globally, a leading cause of mortality.
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using coronary stents is a primary treatment for CAD.
- Stent technology has evolved over two decades, significantly improving treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development and evolution of coronary stents.
- To analyze how advancements in stent technology have addressed clinical challenges.
- To discuss future directions and innovations in coronary stent design.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent development.
- Analysis of technological advancements from balloon angioplasty to drug-eluting stents.
- Examination of emerging technologies like biodegradable alloys and biomimetic coatings.
Main Results:
- Early balloon angioplasty paved the way for stent implantation.
- Bare-metal and drug-eluting stents dramatically reduced restenosis, thrombosis, and repeat revascularization.
- Ongoing innovations aim to further enhance stent performance and patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The historical trajectory of coronary stents is crucial for understanding current PCI practices.
- Continued innovation in materials and coatings is essential for addressing remaining challenges.
- Understanding stent evolution guides future advancements in interventional cardiology device innovation.
Abstract:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, affecting more than 300 million people. Over the past two decades, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become the cornerstone of CAD treatment, involving the implantation of coronary stents. This review clarifies how coronary stents emerged, evolved, and ultimately reshaped modern interventional cardiology. Beginning with balloon angioplasty and progressing through bare-metal and drug-eluting stents, we show how each advancement solved key clinical shortcomings-dramatically reducing restenosis, thrombosis, and repeat revascularization. We further review the major technological advances driving modern stent development, such as biodegradable alloys and biomimetic coatings. We also highlight the remaining challenges, including long-term stability, manufacturing complexity, and limited translational readiness. Together, these elements support our central thesis: that the historical evolution of coronary stents is fundamental to understanding present PCI practice and to guiding the next phase of device innovation.
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