Which type of coronary stent is known for releasing medication to prevent restenosis?

The type of coronary stent known for releasing medication to prevent restenosis is the drug-eluting stent. These stents are designed to slowly release a medication that inhibits cell proliferation, which is a common cause of restenosis—the re-narrowing of blood vessels after they have been treated to remove blockages. The medication is often a form of chemotherapy agent or an immunosuppressant that helps to keep the artery open by preventing excessive tissue growth at the site of the stent.

In contrast, bare metal stents do not have any medication and may result in a higher rate of restenosis compared to drug-eluting stents. Self-expanding stents and balloon-expandable stents refer to the mechanisms by which they are deployed, not their ability to release medication. Thus, their primary characteristics do not address the issue of restenosis prevention through drug release.