By Dr. Girish B Navasundi Posted on April 1, 2025

Absorbable Stent is the Future: A New Era in Cardiovascular Care

In the ever-evolving world of cardiovascular healthcare, one innovation stands out with the potential to redefine patient outcomes — absorbable stents, also known as bioresorbable or biodegradable stents. These next-generation devices are being hailed as a major advancement in interventional cardiology, offering a promising alternative to traditional metallic stents. With cardiovascular diseases still ranking as the leading cause of mortality globally, the demand for safer, more effective, and long-term solutions is stronger than ever.

This blog explores why absorbable stents are shaping the future of cardiology, how they work, what makes them different, and why both doctors and patients should pay close attention to this groundbreaking technology.

What Are Absorbable Stents?

An absorbable stent is a temporary scaffold inserted into a blocked artery to restore blood flow. Unlike traditional stents made of metal, these are crafted from materials that naturally dissolve in the body over time — such as polylactic acid (PLA) or magnesium-based compounds. Once their job is done, they’re absorbed, leaving no trace behind.

Absorbable stents typically disappear within 12 to 36 months, depending on the material and design. This removal of foreign material from the body is one of their most attractive benefits.

Traditional vs Absorbable Stents: A Clear Contrast

Feature	Traditional Metal Stents	Absorbable Stents
Material	Stainless steel / Cobalt alloy	PLA, Magnesium alloys
Duration in the body	Permanent	Temporary (12–36 months)
Post-procedure complications	Chronic inflammation, late thrombosis	Reduced long-term complications
Flexibility	Rigid	More flexible
Interference with future scans	Yes (MRI/CT complications)	No interference
Drug delivery capability	Optional	Integrated in design

Why Is the Medical Community So Excited?

1. Natural Healing Without a Permanent Implant

Traditional stents act like a crutch — supporting the artery long-term, but not allowing it to regain its natural function. Absorbable stents do their job and get out of the way, allowing the artery to heal, dilate, and function normally without foreign material impeding it.

2. Lower Risk of Long-Term Complications

Metal stents can lead to in-stent restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) or late stent thrombosis, sometimes years after implantation. Since absorbable stents disappear, these risks are significantly reduced.

3. Better Compatibility with Future Procedures

Once a metal stent is placed, the artery is changed forever. But with absorbable stents, the artery eventually returns to a more natural state, which preserves options for future interventions if needed.

4. Improved Imaging and Diagnostics

Metal stents interfere with MRI and CT scans, potentially masking signs of disease. Absorbable stents eliminate that issue entirely, offering clearer future diagnostics.

The Science Behind Absorbable Stents

Absorbable stents are not simply a dissolvable version of metal stents. They’re a careful combination of engineering, materials science, and medicine.

Most bioresorbable stents are made from:

• Polylactic Acid (PLA): A biodegradable polymer that breaks down into lactic acid, which the body safely processes.
• Magnesium Alloy: Offers better mechanical strength and degrades via corrosion into magnesium ions.

The scaffold is often coated with anti-proliferative drugs like everolimus or sirolimus to prevent excessive tissue growth and restenosis.

The degradation process is timed so that the stent provides support for a crucial healing period (around 6 months), after which it gradually disappears — leaving a restored artery with natural vasomotion.

Clinical Successes and Ongoing Challenges

Absorbable stents are not entirely new — the first commercially available bioresorbable stent, Abbott’s Absorb BVS, received CE approval in 2011 and FDA approval in 2016. However, it was withdrawn in 2017 due to concerns over late stent thrombosis.

That experience triggered a rethink in design. Newer-generation stents have:

• Thinner struts (less than 100 microns)
• Better drug delivery
• Improved biodegradation rates
• Enhanced radial strength

Leading examples include:

• Magmaris by BIOTRONIK (Magnesium-based)
• MeRes100 by Meril Life Sciences (PLA-based, India)
• Fantom Encore by REVA Medical (Sirolimus-eluting, radiopaque)

Recent trials show promising data. For example:

• The MeRes-1 trial showed a zero percent rate of stent thrombosis at 1-year follow-up.
• The BIOSOLVE-IV study demonstrated strong safety and performance results for Magmaris.

Regulatory and Market Outlook

The global market for bioresorbable stents was valued at USD 250 million in 2023 and is projected to cross USD 1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of over 20%.

North America and Europe dominate in early adoption, but Asia-Pacific is quickly catching up, especially with local innovation from companies in Japan, India, and China.

The regulatory path is tightening — requiring long-term safety studies, improved imaging, and robust post-market surveillance — but this is expected to build confidence over time.

How Absorbable Stents Improve Patient Outcomes

1. Less Medication Over Time

Since long-term complications are reduced, patients may not need to stay on blood thinners as long, lowering bleeding risks.

2. Improved Lifestyle and Recovery

With the natural artery function restored and no metal inside, patients feel more confident resuming active lifestyles, especially young patients.

3. Lower Chances of Repeat Procedures

Once the stent dissolves and the artery heals, there’s less likelihood of needing re-intervention due to in-stent restenosis.

The Future: Smart Stents, 3D Printing, and AI

Absorbable stents are evolving beyond just being “dissolvable.”

– Smart Stents

Researchers are exploring sensors embedded within stents to transmit data on blood flow, pressure, and degradation.

– 3D-Printed Personalized Stents

Custom-fit stents based on patient imaging can improve delivery and reduce trauma.

– AI-Powered Decision Making

AI is being integrated into diagnostics to predict stent performance and suggest patient-specific solutions.

The Road Ahead: What Needs to Happen?

Despite their potential, absorbable stents still face hurdles:

• Long-term outcome data is still limited
• Not all hospitals are equipped or trained to use them
• Manufacturing costs remain high compared to metal stents

But with strong R&D pipelines, better second-generation designs, and patient demand rising for “natural healing,” these hurdles are being addressed swiftly.

Conclusion: A Future with Fewer Metals, More Healing

Absorbable stents represent more than just a new product — they symbolize a paradigm shift in how we treat coronary artery disease. They reflect a broader move toward biocompatibility, patient-centered innovation, and personalized care.

Though not yet mainstream, the writing is on the wall: the future is dissolvable, intelligent, and healing-focused. And absorbable stents are leading the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an absorbable stent?
An absorbable stent is a temporary, dissolvable device inserted into an artery to keep it open after a blockage. It naturally degrades over time, unlike permanent metal stents.

How long does an absorbable stent last in the body?
Typically, absorbable stents are designed to support the artery for 6–12 months, after which they begin to dissolve. Complete absorption usually happens within 1 to 3 years.

Are absorbable stents safe?
Yes, when used appropriately and by trained professionals, absorbable stents are considered safe and effective, especially with newer-generation designs. However, they may not be suitable for every patient.

Why are absorbable stents not used everywhere yet?
They are newer in the market, with some early models facing challenges. But with refined technology, promising trials, and regulatory backing, their usage is increasing.

Do I need to take blood thinners after getting an absorbable stent?
Yes, most patients still require dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for a period (often 6–12 months), just like with metal stents. However, the long-term medication burden may be reduced.

Can absorbable stents be used in all types of blockages?
Not always. Complex lesions, heavy calcification, or overlapping stents may not be ideal scenarios. Your cardiologist will determine the best option based on your case.

Are they more expensive than metal stents?
Yes, currently they are more expensive due to their newer technology and lower production volume. But as adoption grows, costs are expected to come down.

Are absorbable stents approved by the FDA?
Some stents have been FDA-approved, like the earlier Absorb BVS. However, most new-generation absorbable stents are either undergoing clinical trials or seeking approval in various regions.

What happens if a stent dissolves too quickly?
Premature degradation could cause the artery to collapse. That’s why timing and material science are crucial in design. Modern stents are engineered to maintain support before dissolving gradually.

Can I get an MRI after an absorbable stent procedure?
Yes! One of the major advantages is that absorbable stents do not interfere with MRI or CT scans, unlike metal stents.