Bioresorbable Stents for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Indications (Coronary Artery Disease)

Fully bioresorbable stents or scaffolds (BRS) represent the latest generation of devices for myocardial revascularisation strategies. They comprise a degradable material, most commonly a polymer, such as poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) or a magnesium alloy, and are either drug coated or drug free. They are mainly built to overcome the risk of late complications, such as scaffold thrombosis or restenosis, which can occur when the rigid metal backbone of a conventional metal stent remains permanently embedded in the diseased vessel. To date, five devices (Absorb®, DESolve®, ART Pure, Fantom® and Magmaris) have received Conformité Européenne (CE) marking for their use in adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Absorb® was also approved by the US market authorisation agency (Food and Drug Administration; FDA) in 2016. However, it has not been available on the market since the manufacturer stopped sales in May 2017.