This review aimed to explore the therapeutic effect
of bioabsorbable stents in the inferior genicular artery, from the emergence of
absorbable bare metal stents to the latest technology in polymer and
anti-proliferative eluting drugs mixed with coated bioresorbable vascular stents
(BVSs). Currently, there are conflicting data regarding the safety and
effectiveness of BVSs in infrapopliteal artery interventions, especially compared
to the current generation of drug-eluting stents (DESs). This review will cover
the existing data on BVSs in reconstructing the infrapopliteal arterial blood
flow and active clinical trials for future iterations of BVSs. In terms of primary patency rate and target lesion revascularization
rate, the available research on the effectiveness of BVSs in reconstructing the
infrapopliteal arterial blood flow suggests that a BVS is compatible with current
DESs within 3–12 months; long-term data have not yet been reported.
The ABSORB BVS is the most studied BVS in
cardiovascular disease (CAD). Initially, the ABSORB BVS showed
promising results. Managing intricate regions in peripheral artery disorders,
such as branching or lengthy lesions, continues to be a formidable undertaking.
In contrast to the advanced narrowing of arteries seen in standard permanent
stent procedures, bioabsorbable stents have the potential to promote the
expansion and beneficial merging of blood channels in the latter stages.
Furthermore, incorporating stents and re-establishing the endothelial function
can diminish the probability of restenosis or thrombosis. Nevertheless, the
extent to which bioabsorbable stents may simultaneously preserve arterial patency
and guarantee their structural integrity remains uncertain. The powerful and
intricate mechanical stresses exerted by the blood in the superficial femoral
artery and popliteal artery can cause negative consequences on any implant
inserted into the vessel, regardless of its composition, even metal. Furthermore,
incorporating stents is advantageous for treating persistent occlusive lesions
since it does not impact later treatments, including corrective bypass
operations. Evidence is scarce about the use of bioabsorbable stents in treating
infrapopliteal lesions. Utilizing bioabsorbable stents in minor infrapopliteal
lesions can successfully maintain the patency of the blood vessel lumen, whereas
balloon angioplasty cannot offer this benefit. The primary focus of testing these
materials is determining whether bioabsorbable scaffolds can provide adequate
radial force in highly calcified elongated lesions. Indeed, using “-limus”
medication elution technology in conjunction with bioabsorbable stents has
previously offered clinical benefits in treating the popliteal artery, as
evidenced by limited trials.BVSs for peripheral arterial
disease (PAD) show promise and have the potential to offer a less inflammatory
and more vessel-friendly option compared to permanent metallic stents. However,
current evidence does not yet allow for a ...