Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. In the last decade, significant advancements in CAD treatment have been made. The existing treatment is medical, surgical or a combination of both depending on the extent, severity and clinical presentation of CAD. The collaboration between different science disciplines such as biotechnology and tissue engineering has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies such as stem cells, nanotechnology, robotic surgery and other advancements (3-D printing and drugs). These treatment modalities show promising effects in managing CAD and associated conditions. Research on stem cells focuses on studying the potential for cardiac regeneration, while nanotechnology research investigates nano-drug delivery and percutaneous coronary interventions including stent modifications and coatings. This article aims to provide an update on the literature (in vitro, translational, animal and clinical) related to these novel strategies and to elucidate the rationale behind their potential treatment of CAD. Through the extensive and continued efforts of researchers and clinicians worldwide, these novel strategies hold the promise to be effective alternatives to existing treatment modalities.
Highlights
The scientific advancements in the understanding of the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) have led to a decrease in the mortality towards the turn of the 20th century [1]
The current state of robotic surgery is promising in the treatment of CAD
Their translation into full-fledged clinical usage is inhibited by high cost and the learning curve needed to master these procedures [22]
Summary
The scientific advancements in the understanding of the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) have led to a decrease in the mortality (in age-adjusted subjects) towards the turn of the 20th century [1]. CAD is responsible for one-third of deaths in developing and developed countries in people over 35 years of age, with the percentage reaching close to 50% (according to some estimates) in western countries [3,4]. The worldwide burden is set to reach 47 million disability adjusted life years (years lost due to disability, ill-health or death) by the year 2020 as projected by World Health Organization [5]. In the United States alone, there are estimated to be 900,000 subjects who suffeedr or die from CAD and its complications in 2016 [6]. Due to exhaustive efforts from clinicians and researchers worldwide, there has been significant progress made in developing novel strategies for patients suffering from CAD and its associated complications
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