Magnesium stents – fundamentals, biological implications and applications beyond coronary arteries

Abstract

AbstractPermanent metallic stents have improved the treatment of diseases like coronary heart disease. Although superior to balloon angioplasty, the persistent presence of a metallic stent limits their application and yields several problems like late thrombosis, restenosis and chronic inflammation reactions. Biodegradable magnesium stents have been introduced to solve these problems. Additionally, in pediatric cardiology or for advanced applications like minimally invasively implanted tissue engineered heart valves, the use of degradable stents is mandatory for best success of the treatment. After implantation of a stent, the healing process starts in the vessel. In many cases, the stent is only needed during the initial phase of this process (up to around 6 months). When the stent is degraded, complete healing, return of vasomotion and growth of the vessel are possible. Several magnesium stents have been tested with promising results. However, there is still a huge demand in further research on new alloys and stent designs. Beside coronary stents, other applications should be addressed as well. A better understanding of the interaction between body and stent as well as correlating in vitro and in vivo degradation tests in a predictive manner are needed.