New Coronary Stents Fully Absorb in Patient

Written by Bryan Heart Cardiologist, John Steuter, MD

Every day patients receive stents to keep their arteries open to supply blood to the heart. Interventional cardiologists at Bryan Heart now have a new approach to make this procedure easier and safer for patients.

Absorbable Stents: The Latest Technology in Coronary Stents

In July, The USDFA approved the first fully absorbable stent to treat coronary artery disease. The absorbable stent, known as Absorb GT1 BVS, is manufactured from a biodegradable polymer called poly(L-lactide), which is similar to materials used in other types of absorbable medical devices such as sutures.

The Benefits of Absorbable Stents

• Eliminates foreign material in the body, which helps reduce the chances of infection or complication. Over time as the stent is no longer needed, it is absorbed by the body
• After absorption, only four very small platinum markers remain embedded in the walls of the artery to help cardiologists identify the original location of the absorbable stent

Now Available at Bryan Heart

At Bryan Heart, we’re proud to be on the leading-edge of heart technology. We now offer absorbable stents to our patients. If you have questions or would like to refer a patient, call 402-483-3333.