Sirolimus-eluting coronary stent

Abstract

Purpose. The mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of sirolimus when used as part of a drug-eluting stent (DES) and the efficacy and cost of using DESs versus baremetal stents are discussed. Summary. The use of balloon angioplasty with or without coronary artery stenting is limited by the phenomenon of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Until very recently, most efforts to overcome ISR had been ineffective. The search to prevent or reduce the frequency of ISR has led to the recent development of novel coronary artery stents designed to deliver a drug that acts locally. The first DES was approved by FDA in April 2003. This stent releases sirolimus, an agent that inhibits vascular smooth-muscle-cell proliferation. To date, four major clinical trials have demonstrated the sirolimus-eluting stent to be safe and effective in preventing restenosis in de novo coronary artery lesions. Conclusion. The sirolimus-eluting coronary stent is associated with less ISR than non-drug-containing stents, but further investigation is needed to determine its exact place in the treatment of coronary artery occlusion.