Are Bioresorbable Stents Ready for Primetime?

A small randomized study shows similar procedural results and clinical events but a trend toward more stent thrombosis compared with drug-eluting stents.

Theoretical advantages of drug-eluting, fully bioresorbable vascular stents (BVS) over standard metallic ones (DES) may include better vessel healing and functional recovery. However, potential disadvantages may include more-immediate vessel recoil and effects of the inflammatory response associated with resorption. One BVS is in widespread use in Europe, and a randomized trial in the U.S. is underway with the goal of FDA approval. Now, researchers report 1-year, secondary outcomes of the first European randomized trial comparing BVS and DES, in 501 patients. The study was manufacturer-funded. The primary endpoint is vasomotion, to be assessed at 3 years.

Procedural outcomes in the two groups were similar, with greater acute lumen gain in th…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHeart Valve Collaboratory (Scientific Committee Member, Chair of the Publications Committee)