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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

drug-eluting stent

Also written as: DES — Drug-Eluting Stent

A coronary stent coated with medication to prevent restenosis after implantation.

Full Definition

A drug-eluting stent (DES) is a small mesh tube placed in coronary arteries during PCI that slowly releases medication to prevent the re-narrowing of the vessel. These stents are coated with antiproliferative drugs such as sirolimus, paclitaxel, or everolimus that inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and reduce the risk of in-stent restenosis. DES have largely replaced bare-metal stents in clinical practice due to their superior long-term outcomes. However, they require prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent stent thrombosis.

Usage

Usage note: Hyphenate when used as compound modifier; capitalize acronym DES.

In Context

  • "The second-generation drug-eluting stent showed excellent patency rates at one-year follow-up." — Clinical trial report
  • "Drug-eluting stents require extended dual antiplatelet therapy to minimize thrombotic complications." — Treatment guideline

Also known as

DES medicated stent

Contrasted with

bare-metal stent

Don't confuse with

drug-coated balloon biodegradable stent
drug-coated balloon ← Back to glossary dual antiplatelet therapy

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