Features of re-endothelialization process during implantation of coronary stents (review of literature)

Abstract

Method of endovascular treatment for coronary artery lesions has made its way from balloon angioplasty to implantation of drug-eluting stents. Today, drug-eluting stents are widely used for coronary artery revascularization and have significantly reduced the incidence of restenosis compared to bare metal stents. Delayed or incomplete re-endothelialization is a very specific problem for most drug-eluting stents, as after their implantation, there is a risk of developing late thrombosis associated not only with incomplete endothelialization of the stent struts or impaired endothelial function, but also with chronic inflammatory reaction of the vascular wall. The development of stents with ultrathin struts, the abluminal coating of the struts with polymer and drug contribute to the decrease of vascular wall trauma and of the inflammatory response and provide faster stent endothelialization. Keywords: coronary heart disease, coronary stents, re-endothelialization, microporous coating, polymer-free antiproliferative coating, Yukon stent