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Alternatives to Metal Stents: Why Are Biodegradable Stents So Compelling?
Heart disease has always been one of the important issues in global health, and the advancement of stent technology undoubtedly brings hope to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Although traditional metal stents can effectively open blood vessels, their long-term presence in the body has also caused a series of health problems. With the technological advancement of biodegradable stents, they have gradually become a new choice for many medical institutions and patients. This article will provide an in-depth look at the characteristics, clinical research, and future development of biodegradable stents.
Basic concepts of biodegradable scaffolds
Biodegradable stents, also known as bioabsorbable stents or naturally dissolving stents, are devices that can be used to fight cardiovascular obstructions. The stent is not permanent and is eventually absorbed by the body as the patient recovers, reducing the risk of long-term complications. The stent typically provides support during a critical recovery period of three to nine months, then slowly rebuilds blood vessel function and returns the vessel to a healthy state.
Materials of biodegradable scaffolds
At present, the basic materials of biodegradable stents can be mainly divided into two categories: metals and polymers. Although polymer-based stents initially attracted attention, due to safety concerns, the development of metal magnesium-based stents has gradually shifted.
Metal-based bracket
Metal stents are made of magnesium, iron, zinc and their alloys as the main candidate materials. Existing magnesium-based stents have been approved in many countries, and about 95% of their materials are absorbed by the body within one year after implantation. Clinical results show that magnesium-based stents can effectively avoid the shortcomings of traditional metal stents.
The functional degradation time of magnesium-based stents in the body is about 30 days, which is far shorter than the ideal three to six months of biodegradable stents. Therefore, current research focuses on how to reduce the corrosion rate of magnesium.
Polymer-based scaffold
Polymer-based stents have also been approved in some countries. These stents are usually made of polylactic acid (PLLA), which has relative strength and can eventually be converted into lactic acid that can be used by the body. However, concerns about the safety of polymer stents have affected their commercialization process. In particular, some representative products, such as the "Absorb" stent, have been discontinued due to performance issues.
Current status of clinical research
Clinical studies have shown that biodegradable stents are as effective and safe as drug-eluting stents. Taking the Magmaris magnesium-based absorbable stent as an example, its reported safety performance is good, and the incidence of target lesion failure and stent thrombosis is low. These clinical data show that the effectiveness of biodegradable stents in practical applications is gradually gaining recognition from the medical community.
Research shows that the Absorb naturally dissolving stent begins to degrade after six to twelve months of placement and completely disappears within two to three years.
History and development of biodegradable stents
In the United States, the first fully bioabsorbable stent was approved by the FDA in 2016. With the promotion and improvement of this technology, more and more hospitals are beginning to apply this new treatment option, which improves patient care. Recovery and healthy living reveal new expectations.
Challenges faced
Although biodegradable stents have shown great potential, there are still many challenges that need to be overcome in the maturation and popularization of the technology, such as material stability, stent strength, and long-term clinical monitoring issues. In addition, the exploration of various new materials continues, and the development of these new materials may change the landscape of future stent technology.
With the deepening of research and the advancement of technology, biodegradable stents are undoubtedly a bright spot in the field of cardiovascular treatment. Can future medical technology continue to advance and provide better treatment options?
