A new type of stent — self-absorbing magnesium stent

Self-absorbable magnesium stent is a new resorbable biological stent that keeps the coronary vessel open during the critical initial phase, once the vessel recovers and can hold its shape, the stent dissolves, allowing the natural function of the vessel to be restored.

The newly approved stent combines two revolutionary technologies: the drug coating ensures that the vessel does not close during the healing phase; the material dissolves (unlike previous stent options) within one year on its own. This is important for the natural function of the vessel. The coronary vessel automatically regulates blood flow by constriction and dilatation, and this function is usually impaired by stents. But if the stent breaks down after the healing phase, the blood vessel can regain its lost function again.

The implantation is performed at a clinical center in Munich using state-of-the-art imaging technology. Optical coherence tomography provides a complete view of the required coronary vessel, which allows the optimal positioning and, above all, full opening to be controlled. The stent is completely adjacent to the vessel wall. All this contributes to preventing the formation of dangerous blood clots on the stent stent.

In a recent study, the safety of the new stent was demonstrated. As pointed out by one of the professors at a congress in Berlin, thrombus formation did not occur in the new stent in all cases examined. During the congress, the first results of the new stent were presented.

Unfortunately, the magnesium stent is not suitable for all stenosis variants. From the large number of stents available today, it is necessary to choose the appropriate stent for each patient, depending on the site of narrowing and the vessel.

Optical coherence tomography during implantation

The OCT method allows a particularly accurate representation of coronary vessels. The OCT probe is inserted through a thin guidewire into the vessel under study. Before stent treatment, the features of the narrowing of the vessel (plaque structure, location) can be precisely analyzed. The branches of the stent can be positioned very precisely. After implantation, the stent branches can be imaged with OCT. In the 3D image, the stent can be completely visible in the vessel. It is important to consider that all branches of the stent must be fully deployed and tightly adhered to the wall. In this way, drug-eluting stents can be effective, and a frequent complication, the formation of stent thrombosis, can be successfully prevented in many cases.

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