Bioresorbable Stent
Regarded by many as ushering in a new generation of stent design, Abbott Laboratories' Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold appears to be the next step in the evolution of the stent. Laying claim to the title of the world's first drug-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold, the Absorb is designed to treat coronary artery disease by opening clogged vessels and, in turn, restoring blood flow. Additional treatment is delivered in the form of the antiproliferative drug everolimus, which elutes from the device. Unlike conventional drug-eluting stents, however, the polylactide-based stent dissolves in the body within approximately two years, minimizing associated risks. Although cleared for use in Europe earlier this year, the Absorb bioresorbable stent isn't expected to obtain FDA clearance for domestic use until 2015. Read more about the Absorb in "Abbott's Bioresorbable Stent: Another Case of Innovation vs. FDA," "Heal and Run--A New Stent M.O.," and "Bioabsorbable Stent Sparks New Design Debate."