Next Generation of Stents Presented
In light of the controversy about drug-eluting stents, some newly designed stents are gaining attention. This next generation of devices is particularly designed to prevent thrombosis, the problem causing much controversy with the current stents, as well as limit restenosis. Some new stents were recently presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in New Orleans, reports the Washington Post.
Researchers from Columbia presented findings from a new drug eluting stent called Xience V. Results include fewer major cardiac events and fewer procedures after nine months of follow-up. However, failure rates were the same as in patients treated with paclitaxel-eluting stents. Less restenosis and decreased blood vessel loss were also noted with the new stents.
Also presented were two other types of stents; one coated with antibiotics and another one that is biodegradeable.
Related coverage:
- Chairman Requests Information on Drug-Eluting Cardiac Stents
- Heart Bypass Surgery Gets a Second Look
- Drug-Coated Stents May Not Be Worth The Cost
- Drug-Coated Stents Not Always Best Option
March 28, 2007 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Cardiology