Everolimus-eluting ABSORB bioresorbable vascular scaffold: present and future perspectives

Everolimus-eluting ABSORB bioresorbable vascular scaffolds represent a novel approach that provides transient vessel support with drug-delivery capability without the long-term limitations of the metallic drug-eluting stents (DESs). The technology has the potential to overcome many of the safety concerns associated with metallic DESs and possibly even convey further clinical benefit. In particular the scaffold is designed for providing a short-term lumen support (up to 6-12 months) and for thereafter being completely bioresorbed, eliminating the permanent caging typical of the metallic DES. The first clinical studies testing this device in a small number of patients have shown very promising results with good clinical outcome up to 5 years' follow-up, highlighting important morphological and functional modifications at the scaffolded segment level, such as late lumen enlargement and recuperation of a normal vasoreactivity. A randomized trial, comparing ABSORB with the Xience Prime stent, will evaluate the efficacy and safety of this device in a wide population.