What are the risks of drug-eluting stents? Drug-eluting stents (DES) have dramatically improved the treatment of coronary artery disease by significantly reducing the risk of in-stent restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery). However, they are not without risks, primarily related to the presence of the drug and its polymer coating.
The most significant and serious risk of a DES is stent thrombosis, which is the formation of a blood clot inside the stent. This can lead to a heart attack or even death. While the risk is low, it is a critical concern that is carefully managed by cardiologists.
Here are the key risks associated with drug-eluting stents:
1. Stent Thrombosis (Blood Clots)
Delayed Healing: The anti-proliferative drug on a DES prevents the excessive growth of scar tissue, but it also slows down the natural healing process of the artery. It can delay the growth of a new, healthy cell layer (endothelium)…