Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, with millions of people undergoing procedures like angioplasty to restore blood flow in blocked arteries. One of the most common treatments for coronary artery disease is the implantation of stents—tiny mesh tubes that keep arteries open. Traditional metallic stents, while effective, come with long-term challenges such as chronic inflammation, restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery), and the need for prolonged medication to prevent blood clots. This has led to the development of a revolutionary alternative: biodegradable stents, also known as bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS). These stents provide the necessary support to arteries but gradually dissolve over time, eliminating the need for a permanent foreign object in the body. As research in medical technology advances, biodegradable stents offer hope for a safer, more natural way to treat heart disease.
The global biodegradable stents market was valued at US$ 351.6 million in 2023 and is projected to experience significant growth over the next decade. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2024 to 2034, the market is expected to reach US$ 809.2 million by the end of 2034. This growth is driven by increasing demand for advanced cardiovascular treatments, rising prevalence of coronary artery disease, and continuous advancements in bioresorbable technology. As healthcare systems worldwide shift towards safer and more efficient medical solutions, biodegradable stents are poised to play a crucial role in the future of interventional cardiology.
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What Are Biodegradable Stents?
Biodegradable stents are temporary medical devices designed to provide structural support to narrowed arteries, just like traditional stents. However, unlike metallic stents that remain in the body permanently, biodegradable stents dissolve naturally over time, leaving behind a healed artery without any residual foreign material. These stents are typically made from materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), or magnesium alloys, which gradually break down into non-toxic byproducts that the body can absorb and eliminate. The goal of these stents is to offer the same benefits as traditional stents—preventing artery collapse and ensuring proper blood flow—while also minimizing the long-term risks associated with permanent implants.
How Biodegradable Stents Work
Biodegradable stents function similarly to traditional metal stents in the early stages of treatment. First, a cardiologist inserts the stent into the blocked artery using a catheter. Once in place, the stent expands, pushing against the arterial walls to restore normal blood flow. Over time, as the artery heals and regains its strength, the biodegradable stent gradually breaks down through natural metabolic processes. Depending on the material used, this degradation process can take anywhere from several months to a few years. The key advantage of this approach is that, once the artery has recovered, there is no longer a need for an artificial scaffold, allowing the blood vessel to function naturally without any long-term complications related to foreign implants.
Advantages of Biodegradable Stents
One of the biggest advantages of biodegradable stents is the reduction of long-term risks. Traditional metallic stents can sometimes trigger chronic inflammation, late-stage restenosis, and blood clots, which require ongoing medication and, in some cases, additional medical procedures. Since biodegradable stents dissolve over time, they significantly reduce the likelihood of these complications, offering a safer long-term solution.
Another key benefit is the restoration of natural artery function. Metal stents, while effective, permanently alter the flexibility and movement of arteries, which can sometimes lead to complications in the future. In contrast, biodegradable stents support the artery only for as long as necessary, allowing it to heal and regain its natural ability to expand and contract. This is particularly important for younger patients, as it provides a long-term solution without permanent alterations to their vascular system.
Additionally, biodegradable stents eliminate the presence of a permanent foreign object in the body. Traditional stents, once implanted, remain in the artery for life, which can cause irritation and, in some cases, necessitate further medical interventions. By contrast, biodegradable stents disappear after their job is done, leaving the artery in a more natural and healthy state.
From a medical perspective, another major advantage is that biodegradable stents allow for future treatments if necessary. If a patient develops further blockages in the same artery, it can be more challenging to perform additional procedures when a permanent metal stent is already in place. With a biodegradable stent, the artery is eventually restored to a normal state, making future interventions easier if needed.
Challenges and Limitations
While biodegradable stents present many benefits, they are not without their challenges. One of the main concerns is controlling the degradation process. The breakdown of the stent must be carefully timed so that it provides adequate support to the artery during the healing process but does not linger too long, as that could increase the risk of complications. Researchers are continuously working to refine the materials and design of biodegradable stents to ensure that they dissolve at the optimal rate.
Another limitation is mechanical strength. Compared to traditional metal stents, biodegradable stents tend to be less durable, which can sometimes lead to premature collapse or inadequate artery support. This is especially concerning in high-risk patients with severe artery blockages, where stronger reinforcement may be necessary. Advances in biomaterials and hybrid stent designs are being explored to address this issue and improve the mechanical properties of biodegradable stents.
Cost is another significant factor. Currently, biodegradable stents are more expensive than conventional stents, which can make them less accessible for patients, especially in healthcare systems with limited financial resources. As with many medical innovations, widespread adoption and production advancements will likely drive costs down over time, making these stents more affordable in the future.
Finally, long-term clinical data is still being gathered. While early research and trials have shown promising results, biodegradable stents have not yet been used as extensively as traditional stents. Some early-generation biodegradable stents, such as Abbott’s Absorb BVS, faced setbacks due to higher complication rates, leading to their withdrawal from the market. However, newer designs, such as Biotronik’s Magmaris, have shown significant improvements. Ongoing clinical trials will provide further insight into their effectiveness and long-term safety compared to traditional metal stents.
Current Market and Future Prospects
Biodegradable stents have already made their way into the medical field, with several models receiving approval for use in various countries. Despite early challenges, companies and researchers continue to refine these devices, improving their safety, durability, and overall effectiveness. Notable biodegradable stents in the market include Abbott’s Absorb GT1 BVS, which was one of the first bioresorbable stents approved, and Biotronik’s Magmaris, which features a magnesium-based design that offers improved mechanical strength. However, the field is still evolving, and many researchers are exploring next-generation biodegradable stents that combine the best features of both bioresorbable and traditional stents.
One exciting development is the exploration of hybrid stents, which incorporate biodegradable materials along with metallic components to provide better durability while still allowing for gradual absorption. Scientists are also working on more advanced polymers and coatings to improve the degradation process and reduce the risk of complications. As technology progresses, we can expect to see even more refined versions of biodegradable stents that offer greater safety, efficiency, and accessibility.
Conclusion
Biodegradable stents represent a significant step forward in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, offering a safer and more natural alternative to traditional metallic stents. By providing temporary support and gradually dissolving over time, they reduce the risks associated with permanent implants and allow arteries to heal in a way that mimics the body's natural processes. While challenges such as mechanical strength, cost, and degradation control remain, ongoing research and innovation continue to improve these devices, making them a promising option for the future of cardiovascular medicine. As advancements in biomaterials and stent technology progress, biodegradable stents could revolutionize heart disease treatment, paving the way for better patient outcomes and a new era of vascular health.