From the Research
Drug-eluting stents are covered with a polymer coating that contains and gradually releases antiproliferative medications, including sirolimus, everolimus, zotarolimus, paclitaxel, or biolimus, as reported in the most recent study 1. The polymer coating serves as a drug reservoir, allowing for controlled release of the medication over a period of weeks to months after stent placement. This slow drug elution prevents excessive cell growth (neointimal hyperplasia) within the stent, which is the primary cause of restenosis or re-narrowing of the artery after stenting. The antiproliferative drugs work by inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, thereby reducing the risk of in-stent restenosis. Some key points to consider when using drug-eluting stents include:
- The type of antiproliferative medication used, such as sirolimus, everolimus, or paclitaxel, as discussed in 2
- The use of bioabsorbable polymers, which may reduce long-term complications compared to permanent polymer coatings, as mentioned in 1
- The importance of dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent stent thrombosis, as highlighted in 1
- The potential risks and benefits of using drug-eluting stents in patients with specific medical conditions, such as those undergoing organ transplantation, as discussed in 1 Overall, the use of drug-eluting stents has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of restenosis and improving outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease, as reported in 3.