Latest generation of self-dissolving stents conquers hearts

Constrictions in the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients via the blood, can have serious consequences. Insufficient blood flow can lead to pain, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac insufficiency and, in the worst case, sudden cardiac death.

Implanting a stent is a proven method of eliminating constrictions in coronary arteries. A catheter is used to insert a small tubular mesh into the narrowed vessel. This support structure keeps the vessel open and improves blood flow.

Previous stents were made of metal and remained permanently in the body. This often led to various disadvantages, for example when new constrictions, so-called restenosis, formed around the stent, but further interventions were made more difficult or even impossible by the initial procedure.

Self-dissolving stents, also known as absorbable stents, offer a promising alternative to conventional metal stents. They are made of materials that degrade in the body over time, thus avoiding the disadvantages mentioned above.

• Restoration of natural vascular function: Once the stent has been removed, the vessel wall can fully regain its natural mobility and function.
• Reduced risk of re-narrowing: The resorbable structure of the stent can reduce the risk of restenosis.
• Facilitation of subsequent interventions: Once the stent has been removed, further interventions on the same section of the vessel are possible without any problems.
• Avoidance of foreign body contamination: The stent dissolves completely and leaves no permanent residue in the body.

Dr. L. Christian Napp, Managing Senior Physician and Head oft he Department of Cardiology and Angiology at Hannover Medical School (MHH), sees this as a significant step forward: "Self-dissolving vascular supports ensure that the artery regains its natural function, including the mobility of the vessel wall," explains the Managing Senior Physician and Head of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at the Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology. "This is a great advantage in the event that the arteriosclerosis progresses overall and further interventions on the coronary arteries have to be carried out at a later date." For this reason, self-dissolving stents are particularly suitable for younger patients.

Compared to permanent metal stents, which can remain in the body for a lifetime, the innovative resorbable stent Freesolve from Biotronik offers further advantages, as magnesium is a naturally occurring element in the human body. This property ensures excellent biocompatibility, minimizes the risk of allergic reactions and enables smooth integration into the body.

During the period in which the stent dissolves, a drug is continuously released that promotes the healing of the vessel wall and prevents re-narrowing. This additional therapeutic effect supports long-term vascular health and reduces the risk of re-interventions.

COMPAMED-tradefair.com; Source: Hannover Medical School