Evolution of the Coronary Artery Stent

Abstract

"Necessity, who is the mother of invention." - Plato. There has been a steady rise in the incidence and prevalence of coronary artery disease. In most developed countries, it is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality. As this disease has become an ever increasing burden on society, it has spurred on the development of many radical and innovative procedures and implants. This paper will discuss, briefly, the history of coronary interventions ranging from coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) to drug-eluting stents. It will then compare and contrast some of the several drug-eluting stents available on the market today; specifically focusing on the Cypher™, Taxus™, Endeavour™, and Xience VTM stents. The comparisons will include a basic overview of the specifications of each stent as well as the short- and long-term outcomes of these implants. Finally, the paper will provide an introduction to some of the latest stent technology awaiting FDA approval.