5-Year outcome of a bioresorbable stent

This paper studied the long-term outcomes from the implantation of a bioresorbable scaffold that releases everolimus in patients with coronary stenosis. The 5-year study found that the scaffold was safe for use. 

Coronary stenosis refers to narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. This is due to a build-up of substances like cholesterol that form as plaque in the blood vessel. A bioresorbable scaffold is a mesh structure inserted into blood vessels to prevent it from narrowing. The advantage of this is that the scaffold can be reabsorbed by the body. The scaffold releases everolimus (Afinitor), which prevents excessive growth of the blood vessel layer. The long-term effectiveness and safety of this bioresorbable scaffold is unclear. 

101 patients had the bioresorbable scaffold inserted. Various imaging devices were used to look at the structure of the blood vessel. 53 patients were followed for 5 years.

During the follow-up time, there were no deaths from heart-related causes. The rate of major adverse cardiac event (undesired outcome of treatment, such as heart attack) was 11%. There were 8 incidents where reduced blood flow made it necessary for a repeat procedure to improve blood supply.

The diameter of the blood vessel was unchanged between 6 to 12 months and 60 months. Blood vessel movement was normal in 85% of the scaffold segments. The total plaque (build-up of substances in blood vessels that block flow of blood) decreased from 6 to 12 months to 60 months. The scaffold frames were no longer visible at 60 months. The average lumen area tended to increase from 6 to 12 months to 60 months. 

The authors concluded that at 5 years after the bioresorbable scaffold implantation, the blood vessel lumen size was stable and the rate of major adverse cardiac event was low.