DES are tiny mesh-like metallic tubes inserted into narrowed arteries to restore blood flow.
Dr. V.T. Shah.
Whether used in emergency situations or elective procedures, DES remains an indispensable tool for cardiologists. As the field moves toward personalized heart care, the role of DES is expanding-offering tailor-made solutions to restore heart health and improve quality of life.
A Step Beyond Metal
Unlike conventional metallic stents that stay in the body indefinitely, BRS are crafted from biodegradable materials that dissolve over a period of 2–3 years. This unique feature restores natural vessel motion and function after the scaffold disappears, that may significantly reduce long-term risks like chronic inflammation or late stent thrombosis.
How Bioresorbable Scaffolds Are Shaping the Future of Coronary Care
As cardiovascular diseases continue to burden millions of Indians, medical science is pushing boundaries to make treatments safer, more effective, and aligned with natural healing processes. One such innovation is the Bioresorbable Scaffold (BRS)-a temporary stent designed to restore blood flow and then dissolve, leaving the artery free of any permanent implant.
Why This Matters
“Metal stents saved lives, but they stay in the body forever,” says Dr. V.T. Shah, Senior Interventional Cardiologist. “BRS mimics natural healing and may reduce long-term complications such as stent thrombosis or re-narrowing.”
Ideal for Younger and Complex Patients
BRS is particularly valuable for younger patients or those with a long-life expectancy, where the long-term benefits of avoiding a permanent implant are especially relevant. These scaffolds are also suitable for patients with long arterial segments, allowing for natural remodelling and better physiological response.
Addressing Earlier Challenges
Early BRS designs faced skepticism due to concerns over strength, delivery, and long-term safety. However, next-generation scaffolds such have addressed these issues with thinner struts, more predictable degradation, and controlled drug elution, resulting in excellent clinical outcomes and procedural success rates.
“With newer-generation scaffolds, we’re seeing outcomes that rival traditional stents in carefully selected patients,” explains Dr. V.T. Shah
Future-Forward Technology
The promise of BRS lies in the vision of true vascular restoration therapy-where the vessel heals, functions naturally, and remains unencumbered by permanent foreign material. As clinical trials continue to validate its safety and efficacy, BRS is poised to play a larger role in the evolution of interventional cardiology.
Drug-Eluting Stents: Precision Engineering for Lifesaving Results
At the forefront of cardiovascular innovation, Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) have become the standard of care for treating blocked coronary arteries, especially in high-risk populations like diabetics. These stents represent the perfect blend of mechanical support and pharmacological therapy.
How DES Work
DES are tiny mesh-like metallic tubes inserted into narrowed arteries to restore blood flow. What sets them apart from older bare-metal stents is their coating with medications-typically anti-proliferative drugs-that prevent excessive tissue growth inside the artery, which can lead to re-narrowing (restenosis).
Next-Generation Advancements
Today’s DES use ultrathin struts and/or biodegradable polymers to reduce inflammation, accelerate healing, and improve patient outcomes. These refinements make them not only more effective but also safer for long-term use.
Addressing Complexities with Confidence
“In complex patients-whether diabetics, bifurcations, or long lesions-DES have consistently shown superior outcomes,” says Dr. Ganesh Manudhane Interventional Cardiologist at Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai. “They give us confidence even in high-risk scenarios.”
Indian Innovations on the Global Stage
Indian manufacturers have made significant strides in stent technology. DES that offers advanced features such as hybrid cell design, tapered lengths, and ultra-thin struts, make them ideal for long or tortuous arteries. These innovations are making world-class treatment more accessible and affordable in India.
“Our stents today are smarter, thinner, and safer. They're built to match patient anatomy while enhancing healing,” adds Dr. Ganesh Manudhane.
