A Bibliometric Atlas of Vascular Stent Research (2015-2025): from Passive Stents to Bioactive Intelligence

Vascular stents, serving as a cornerstone in the interventional treatment of cardiovascular diseases, had undergone rapid technological evolution and accumulation of clinical evidence. To systematically deconstruct the global research landscape, collaborative networks, and knowledge development pathways, we conducted a bibliometric and visual analysis of 5322 relevant articles (2015-2025) from the Web of Science Core Collection using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. The results showed that the annual publication growth had entered a plateau phase characterized by deepening integration, with the paradigm transitioning from discrete technological iteration toward system integration. Besides, keyword clustering identified four major research pillars including precision decision-making in revascularization, material innovation, personalized antiplatelet therapy, and evaluation based on clinical evidence. Notably, the intersection of materials science and biology (e.g., biodegradable polymers, immunomodulatory coatings) was the key driver of cutting-edge advancements. We further pointed out that future breakthroughs would depend on the deep integration of biodegradable smart materials, artificial intelligence-empowered precision intervention, and dynamic management based on real-world data. Therefore, we believe that the constructed knowledge graph and the proposed paradigm transition framework clarify the developmental trajectory and provide an evidence-based roadmap for future innovation.