Biodegradable implant strategies for inhibition of restenosis

Restenosis of coronary arteries within 6 months of angioplasty has severely limited the long-term success of this procedure. As with any procedure that involves vascular manipulation, thrombosis and stenosis due to intimal proliferation and blood vessel remodeling are the processes that interfere with prolonged patency. This review explores the latest strategies in the form of biodegradable implants designed to inhibit arterial restenosis. The devices discussed herein have potential usefulness not only in coronary artery disease but also in a broad variety of vascular procedures and settings.