Abstract

Use of bioresorbable scaffolds in cardiology practice today, where do we stand?

Author(s): Wael Elabbassi*, Robert Hatala & Andaleeb Choudhary

Use of bioresorbable technology is long dated in medicine dating back to resorbable sutures to closure devices used after femoral access. Use of bioresorbable scaffolds in interventional cardiology heralded a major breakthrough in terms of its ability to dissolve after a specified period allowing the vessel to reassume its vascular responsiveness (auto-regulation) and patency. Since its introduction in humans in 2006, BVS has shown excellent safety and feasibility at implantation. Initial one year results from major trials and registries shows comparable results to benchmark Drug Eluting Stents Longer term follow up showed higher target vessel revascularization due to higher periprocedural MI and emergence of late scaffold thrombosis risk that is higher than for metallic drug eluting stents. Furthermore vessel autoregulation remained deficient after 2 years in some trials. Abbott decided to halt production as of September 2017 citing low market penetration. Further use in the setting of registries and studies continues. Many of results are yet awaited.