Absorb bioresorbable stents for the treatment of coronary artery disease

Bioresorbable stents are considered to be the 'fourth revolution' in percutaneous coronary intervention. The first clinically available Absorb(®) bioresorbable device is made of poly-l-lactic acid polymer and elutes everolimus. The process of bioresorption is completed in 3 years. The introduction of this device into clinical practice went through several logical phases: first-in-man studies, randomized Absorb II study with moderately complex patients and lesions, registries of real life patient population and reports of challenging cases. The procedural results are excellent; many insights have been gained by intracoronary imaging. Intermediate-term outcomes are very encouraging both from imaging and from clinical perspectives. The issue of increased stent thrombosis rate was raised in one study, but other studies have been reassuring. Excellent lesion preparation, sizing and complete expansion of the Absorb device are crucial for optimal procedural and clinical results. Results of ongoing large randomized studies will determine the future role of this technology.