Fully Absorbable Stent Treats Coronary Artery Disease

A new absorbable stent for treating coronary artery disease (CAD) releases everolimus to limit the growth of scar tissue.

The Absorb GT1 Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold System (BVS) is made of a biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and a poly-D,L-lactide (PDLLA) polymer coating that controls the release of the anti-proliferative drug everolimus. Once the vessel can remain open without the extra support, the stent is designed to slowly metabolize and eventually be resorbed by the body over a period of three years, leaving behind an intact vessel with the potential to flex, pulse, and dilate in response to various demands on the heart.


After absorption, there are only four small platinum markers left embedded in the walls of the artery, which help cardiologists identify where the Absorb GT1 BVS was originally placed. The dissolvable stent is delivered via the proprietary GlideTrack catheter, which is designed for optimal access in difficult anatomies. The Absorb GT1 BVS and GlideTrack catheter are products of Abbott Vascular (Santa Clara, CA, USA), and have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Abbott's goal is to help people everywhere live better, fuller and healthier lives,” said Deepak Nath, PhD, senior vice president of Abbott Vascular. “The Absorb bioresorbable stent treats coronary artery disease without committing people to a permanent metal implant, giving them peace of mind and helping them get back to their daily lives without the concern of having a permanent metallic implant.”

“This novel technology appeals to both physicians and patients alike, because after treating the underlying blockage it is completely absorbed, leaving nothing behind,” said Gregg Stone, MD, of Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC, New York, NY, USA). “No metal means the treated artery can pulse and flex naturally as demands on the heart change with everyday activities. No metal may also reduce the potential of future blockages that occur with permanent metallic stents, and allows easier access to other treatment options should they prove necessary in the patient's future.”

Everolimus is a derivative of sirolimus and functions as an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). It is currently used as an immunosuppressant to prevent rejection of organ transplants and stents and as a treatment of renal cell cancer and other tumors.

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