Drug-eluting resorbable coronary scaffolds: a review of recent advances

INTRODUCTION: Device-related persistent adverse events with current DES-use have refocused the attention on a 'leave-nothing-behind' philosophy, in which it is hypothesized that treating coronary stenosis without permanently caging the vessel with a metallic implant would lead to superior clinical outcomes. One of these uncaging technologies is bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS). AREAS COVERED: In this article, we describe the technical specifications and clinical data of currently available BRS devices. EXPERT OPINION: Newer BRS devices have thinner struts and more biocompatible scaffold backbones (either polymer-based or metal-based), resulting in improved radial strength, faster resorption times, and more antithrombogenic properties (e.g. magnesium-based scaffolds). Results of BRS in the treatment of simple coronary artery disease demonstrate favorable clinical efficacy and safety outcome data. It is probable that over the next 5 years more fourth-generation devices with ever-increasing biocompatibility and safety profiles will be investigated and released commercially, resulting in a much more prominent role for BRS, especially in the treatment of simple coronary artery disease in younger patients.