What is a key feature of drug-eluting stents?

A key feature of drug-eluting stents is their ability to release drugs that inhibit the proliferation of scar tissue, also known as neointimal hyperplasia, at the site of the implanted stent. This release of medication helps to minimize the risk of restenosis, a condition where the blood vessel narrows again after angioplasty and stent placement.

The drugs used in these stents are typically anti-proliferative agents that effectively reduce the body's response to injury caused by the stent, aiming to maintain vessel patency over time. This enhancement in stent technology has significantly improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease by reducing the need for repeat procedures associated with restenosis.

In contrast to this, bare metal stents do not have any drug coding and primarily serve as a scaffold to keep the artery open. Drug-eluting stents are not limited to use in acute settings; they are frequently employed in elective procedures and have well-established follow-up protocols to monitor the patient's recovery and stent effectiveness. Following stent placement, patients typically require long-term antiplatelet therapy rather than having no follow-up care at all. Thus, the function of drug-eluting stents in releasing therapeutic agents sets them apart and is crucial for their