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 coated with antiproliferative drugs that prevent smooth muscle cell growth and reduce the risk of restenosis. These stents slowly release medication over weeks to months after implantation, significantly reducing the need for repeat procedures compared to bare metal stents. Modern drug-eluting stents use various drug platforms including sirolimus, everolimus, and zotarolimus. The technology has revolutionized interventional cardiology by providing superior long-term outcomes while maintaining the minimally invasive benefits of percutaneous intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as compound modifier. DES abbreviation widely accepted in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "A second-generation drug-eluting stent was successfully deployed in the mid-LAD lesion." — Procedural report
- "The study compared outcomes between drug-eluting stents and bare metal stents in diabetic patients." — Medical journal article