A Synopsis of Stent Graft Technology Development

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Treatments have evolved, with stenting becoming the primary approach over bypass surgery. This article reviews the evolution of coronary stent technology, starting from the first angioplasty in 1977. Pioneers like Forssmann, Dotter, and Gruentzig established the foundation. The late 1980s saw the introduction of bare metal stents (BMS) to address angioplasty limitations. However, BMS had issues, leading to the development of first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) in the early 2000s, which reduced restenosis but had safety concerns. Subsequent innovations introduced second-generation DES with better results and the latest bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) that dissolve over time. Clinical trials have been crucial in validating each stent's effectiveness. Despite progress, challenges remain in stent selection, approval processes, and minimizing risks. The future may see personalized stenting based on patient needs, highlighting the significant advancements in stent technology and its impact on patient care.