drug-eluting stent
Also written as: DES — Drug-eluting stent
Implantable metallic scaffold coated with antiproliferative medication to prevent restenosis.
Full Definition
A drug-eluting stent (DES) is a metallic tubular scaffold coated with a polymer that slowly releases antiproliferative or anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the risk of in-stent restenosis. These devices combine the mechanical scaffolding properties of bare metal stents with localized drug delivery to inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia. Common drug coatings include sirolimus, paclitaxel, everolimus, and zotarolimus. The polymer coating is designed to provide controlled drug release over weeks to months following implantation. Drug-eluting stents have significantly reduced restenosis rates compared to bare metal stents in most vascular territories.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate 'drug-eluting' when used as a compound modifier. DES is the standard abbreviation.
In Context
- "A 6mm drug-eluting stent was deployed in the proximal superficial femoral artery." — Procedure report
- "The patient requires dual antiplatelet therapy following drug-eluting stent placement." — Discharge summary