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What is Drug-eluting stents (DES)?

Posted: 08 Feb 2017, 10:45
by Admin
Drug-eluting stents (DES) were designed to reduce in-stent neointimal proliferation, and thus,minimise in-stent restenosis (ISR), which is the major disadvantage of percutaneous coronary interventions with bare-metal stents (BMS). DES have revolutionised the treatment of coronary artery disease by reducing the rate of ISR from 20-40% with BMS to 6-8% with DES.

In recent years, however, concern has been raised regarding the long-term safety of DES and the risk of stent thrombosis (ST) and late restenosis due to neoatherosclerosis. This potential increased risk remains an area of uncertainty in the field of interventional cardiology.

DES consist of a standard metallic stent, a polymer coating, and an antiproliferative drug that is embedded within a durable or biodegradable (bioabsorbable) polymer and released over time. Although the common basic concept of DES remains constant, all DES are not made equal and each type may vary significantly with respect to deliverability, efficacy, and safety.

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