Development of a novel prohealing stent designed to deliver sirolimus from a biodegradable abluminal matrix

Drug-eluting stents for coronary artery disease: a review

Over the past decade the introduction of drug-eluting stents (DESs) has revolutionised the treatment of coronary artery disease. However, in recent years concern has arisen over the long-term safety and efficacy of DESs due to the occurrence of late adverse clinical events such as stent thrombosis. With this concern in mind, research and development is currently centred on increasing the long-term safety and efficacy of DESs. The aim of this paper is to provide a thorough review of currently approved and promising investigational DESs. With dozens of companies involved in the development of new and innovative anti-restenotic agents, polymeric coatings and stent platforms, it is intended that this review paper will provide a clear indication of how DESs are currently evolving and prove a valuable reference tool for future research in this area.

Coronary stents: looking forward

Despite all the benefits of drug-eluting stents (DES), concerns have been raised over their long-term safety, with particular reference to stent thrombosis. In an effort to address these concerns, newer stents have been developed that include: DES with biodegradable polymers, DES that are polymer free, stents with novel coatings, and completely biodegradable stents. Many of these stents are currently undergoing pre-clinical and clinical trials; however, early results seem promising. This paper reviews the current status of this new technology, together with other new coronary devices such as bifurcation stents and drug-eluting balloons, as efforts continue to design the ideal coronary stent.