Dissolvable stents for hassle-free treatment launched

Dissolvable stents, which were so far in the research stage, were formally launched on Wednesday. HT reports.

Dissolvable stents, which were so far in the research stage, were formally launched on Wednesday.

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Drug eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS)- used for propping up blocked arteries, which was first used by the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute over a year ago, as part of human trials was launched by Abott for mass public consumption.

Used for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), the stent works like a metallic stent, but is dissolvable. It works by restoring blood flow to heart and dissolves into the body over time — leaving behind a treated vessel that may resume more natural function and movement as it is free of a permanent metallic stent.

BVS is made of polylactide, a naturally dissolvable material commonly used in medical implants such as dissolving sutures.

"With BVS, we can offer our patients a significant advancement in treating coronary artery diseases. The structure starts to resorb within one year, allowing the vessel the potential to flex, pulsate and dilate in response to normal activities such as exercise," said Dr Ashok Seth, chairman, cardiac sciences, Fortis Healthcare.

"This technology may allow blood vessels to return to a more natural state and expand long-term diagnostic and treatment options," he added.