This article is about the Absorb Heart Stent, a new dissolving stent known as a Bio-absorbable Scaffold. Unlike traditional heart stents that remain for life, the Absorb heart stent dissolves over time to where it completely disappears. This has many advantages. In this article myheart.net author, and cardiologist Mustafa Ahmed MD of Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama explains the Absorb stent. Dr Ahmed was amongst the first to implant the commercially available Absorb stent in the US. Dr Ahmed implanted the stent in a patient of cardiologist Dr. Alain Bouchard with a Widowmaker heart blockage at Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama. In this article we present information on the new stent, then we show the story of Mr. Richardson, a patient with the Widowmaker blockage treated with this Absorb dissolvable stent. At the end of the article is a link to the patient story.
What is a Heart Stent?
Heart stents are used to treat blockages in the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood. A total blockage in a coronary artery would lead to a heart attack, and if not treated rapidly can lead to death of heart muscle. A significant blockage of an artery, usually greater than 70%, can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and heart muscle damage. Heart stents can be used to treat these heart blockages and open up the artery, relieving the blockage and restoring normal blood supply.
A heart stent is basically a small metal tube that is expanded inside the area of blockage. Once expanded it remains there and acts as a scaffold to keep the artery open. In the old days we used balloons to try and open the artery, but after the balloon was deflated the blockage would often recoil, meaning the chance of a successful procedure was not always good. With the development of heart stents, however, the scaffold from the stent prevented the recoil and meant the artery stayed open.
Problems with Traditional Heart Stents
Although the development of heart stents was a major breakthrough, the presence of these scaffolds within arteries was not entirely without problem. It’s important to remember that vessels are reactive in nature. They expand and constrict in response to various stimuli. This is prevented by metallic heart stents. Vessels themselves are always undergoing changes and the presence of heart stents can disrupt this process known as remodeling. If further work is required in other parts of vessels downstream to the heart stents, the heart stents can get in the way. Metallic heart stents often mean that patients are required to take life long blood thinning medication. These are just some of the problems associated with heart stents, and therefore it was very exciting when absorbable stents were developed.
Absorb Disappearing Stent
The absorb stent is known as a bio-absorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) and is a huge breakthrough. The development of the Absorb stent meant that the stent could do its job, but then disappear over time leaving the vessel still open.
For those wishing to dig a little deeper, the science underlying the Absorb heart stent is fascinating. It is made of a bio-absorbable polymer, which is broken down over time. It also releases a drug that prevents early vessel blockages from forming. The stent has three stages before it disappears. These are revascularization, restoration and reabsorption. Revascularization is when the stent is initially placed and restores blood flow in the vessel. In the restoration phase the stent begins to degrade and the vessel regains some of its natural properties. In the reabsorption phase, the Absorb heart stent completely disappears leaving a natural vessel behind.
Studies of the Absorb Heart Stent
The Absorb heart stent has been extensively studied with over 100,000 patients treated as part of trials or registries that have documented its usefulness and safety when used in the right patient population. Followup of up to 5 years has been demonstrated. Importantly, not only does the stent disappear, but also it is comparable in usefulness to existing stents.
Important to Place With Attention to Detail
Some studies showed that if not placed correctly there can be a possibility of stent blockage early on with the Absorb heart stent. It is therefore important to pay attention to detail when placing the stent. The artery needs to be prepared properly and the blockage dilated with the use of good-sized balloons. The artery needs to be of a decent size; the stent is not effective in vessels that are too small. After the stent is placed it should typically be dilated with a balloon that is appropriately sized to the vessel and the stent. Following the suggested protocols can minimize the risk of early stent problems. The Absorb heart stent can be visualized in the vessel using a technique known as optical coherence tomography.
Comments are purely for informational purposes and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Disclaimer
sadam node says
January 19, 2017 at 6:08 amExcellent article, thank you.
Amit says
January 23, 2017 at 5:42 pmhello Sir,
i am From India day before yesterday my younger brother age 22 Having pain in chest when we went to see doctor they said 100% blockage in heart sir please help me what to do i am very tensed & so my whole family .!! he is very young please let guide us what to do .
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
January 24, 2017 at 6:21 amCan you provide more stairs so i can help you to understand the situation better.
T.Pandia says
February 5, 2017 at 11:43 amRespected sir,
I was diagnosed with blockage 90% on my OM-1 on vessels on angiogram while a routine cardiological check up @ 50 yrs of age when there was a positive TMT.Me a non diabetic.non smoker,mild hypertension around 130/90.Can I be managed medically?
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
February 5, 2017 at 8:25 pmI would have to see the films to comment accurately. Single vessel branch disease such as yours in many circumstances can be treated with medicine particularly if the medicine alleviates the symptoms. It also depends on the vessel size and the area felt to be at risk. Each case is different.
T.Pandia says
February 6, 2017 at 5:00 amI don`t have any symptoms in chest,neither i felt any discomfort till stage three of TMT where i felt cramps,can`t upload video/picture of angio.me started with,aspirin,clopidogrel,metoprolol and atrovastatin.can I wait for symptoms to appear before they do angioplasty?
T.Pandia says
February 5, 2017 at 11:43 amI don`t have any symptoms in chest
Rabz says
February 22, 2017 at 10:25 pmis it being used only in Princeton Baptist or available in medical centers all over States?
Dr. Charles Oakes says
October 25, 2018 at 3:52 amIs this stent only being used at Princeton Baptist?
hg says
February 24, 2017 at 2:19 amI just had my second CTA of chest. Have mild stenosis in several places but, have severe stenosis secondary to non-calcific and calcific plaque in my LAD mid. What is standard treatment protocol? No chest pain.
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
February 24, 2017 at 4:40 amNot knowing the details of the case limits my perspective. However, most likely would recommend some form of stress testing next to determine the physiologic significance and the risk type of the lesion.
Heidi L says
March 6, 2017 at 12:18 amI had a one time chest pain and severe. My left arm sometimes hurts and tingles.
I now take two baby aspirins at night and the pain is gone. I now have pain under
my rib cage after I eat and I purp after eating. Does this have something to do with my heart and need I be concerned? I also have leg pain in my left leg it feels like pins and needles. My cholesterol is 170 and everything else is normal.
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
March 11, 2017 at 6:32 amThe symptoms appear to be atypical but a careful history and evaluation are still required then likely some form of stress testing. It may not at all be heart disease, but thats easier to say when there is evidence to rule it out.
Faiz says
April 2, 2017 at 11:28 amMy father is 71 year old he is diabetic and hypertension patient. Last time he stop his bp tablets and his bp shoot to 225 and then we make his angiography so the result is 3 vessels are block.
LAD has 70% lesion D1 has osteo proximal 70% and distal 80% D2 has proximal small vessel and ostial 70% lesion
L.cx this vessel has distal subtotal OM1 large vessel and ostial 40-50% lesion
RCA this vessel has ostial 70% lesion . Med 95% and distal total severe collateral from left system
Please advise
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
April 4, 2017 at 1:07 amIts of course complex and not possible to answer a specific case without evaluating the patient fully. In most circumstances with this anatomy however surgery would be recommended.
Paul Bobbins says
April 23, 2017 at 12:04 pmDear Dr
I have a total blockage of the right coronary artery very close to the heart. I’ve been told I’ve had it for a long time as it’s now being back filled via other means. My question is if this artery is for feeding the heart ,why is back filled doing anything as it still can’t enter the heart this way ?
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
April 24, 2017 at 4:35 amYou have what is known as a chronic total occlusion of the right coronary artery. I suspect the arteries on the left side of the heart have grown extra branches that are going over to the right and in some way have taken over the job of supplying that area. In many cases this is surprisingly effective and adequate. If there are symptoms or a positive stress test, there are techniques for stenting the blocked artery, however they are reserved for symptomatic or those with a significant abnormality on stress test or impaired heart function. In many cases however, only medical treatment is advised.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here at myheart.net, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at MustafaAhmedMD
Trish says
May 5, 2017 at 4:34 amI am a 37 year old female & I had a medicated stent put in to correct an 80% LAD blockage in 07/2014, due to insurance issues & trouble securing a good PCP let alone a cardiologist I had a massive heart attack one month ago (4/6/2017). Was explained to me that the cause was not having blood thinning medicines. This time it’s was again LAD however this time it was 100% blocked (apparently the old stent is what became blocked) again it was corrected with another yet different medicated stent. This time I ended up with a good cardiologist & together we are making sure that insurance doesn’t fail me again with my much needed medications. Anyway my question is: Is it possible the stent or the healing process or the damage that was done can be felt afterwards? My cardiologist said NO when I asked if I would/could be able to feel it. However since the heart attack I have a slight tinge of pain under my left breast. It comes & goes, it only lasts long enough to be noticed then it’s gone. It is not a major pain or even really a big discomfort but it’s definitely something, I am curious as to what you may think is either causing it or what could have caused it continue. Any ideas are much appreciated.
Thank you
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
May 6, 2017 at 6:03 amPain may be due to a number of factors but if the vessel is entirely open and there is no significant disease elsewhere then the artery blockage is not likely related and it is reassuring that your cardiologist isn’t worried and that the described pain is what we call atypical. If similar symptoms to the ones where you had the heart attack reccur then you must seek immediate attention.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
milton kazmir says
July 19, 2017 at 8:25 pmDear Dr. Ahmed, I’m a 52yr. old male with a stent(85%LAD) placed Jan.5 2015 after a MI on Dec.27, 2014. Also I got an ICD on Dec.21, 2015. After a failed nuclear stress test, my cardiologist wants to do an angiogram (cath.) on August15 next month. Should I ask about an absorbant stent or be ok with the other type? My EF is between 35and40%. Do I have any options better than another catherization? THANKS for your response!! I just found your website and videos, they are priceless and well appreciated!!!
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
July 23, 2017 at 5:18 amAt this point the absorb stent cannot be recommended in general until further data is gathered. I would recommend the choice of stent be made by the procedural specialist depending on the lesion characteristics. Hopefully you don’t need one!
If you are interested in cutting edge information and therapy for heart disease then follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
manu says
August 7, 2017 at 5:36 amNice Information & Very Useful for e and also use full for Who want More Information About
Cardiology Specialist.
Linette says
August 19, 2017 at 7:30 pmHi, Wonderful information, but scary too. I’ve had double bypass in 2012. Passes a nuclear test in 2015. All clear. How do I know when my past surgery has failed. Short of blocked arteries. Couldn’t do stents, 2 failed before bypass surgery. They covered over doctor said, main artery was 100% blocked, left artery 80%. Had 2 heart attacks before surgery. Please advise. Linette.
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
August 20, 2017 at 3:44 amIn general need for surveillance testing is determined by symptoms. In some cases where patients has no symptoms at all prior to initial event there may be a case for more rigorous testing however. In general routine testing has not been found to be of benefit and is recommended once symptoms appear. I would however advise regular follow up with a heart specialist.
If you are interested in information and therapy for heart disease then feel free to follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Michael Matula says
March 11, 2018 at 2:23 amHi Dr. Ahmed. I had my first angiogram last Tuesday. The report said – “LAD: mild diffuse disease. Mid LAD is narrowed 50% – focal disease. LCX: mild diffuse disease. The 1st obtuse marginal circumflex is narrowed 40% – ostial.” The angiogram doctor said during the procedure that he did not think the surgeon would want to bypass these. (I have to have surgery for an aneurysm in my ascending aorta & to replace a bicuspid aortic valve, which has been stable with moderate regurgitation my whole life. I am 67, thin, otherwise healthy, and have never had symptoms.) The next day, the surgeon shocked me by saying he would “insist upon” doing a bypass of the LAD; and that studies have shown a “40% blockage” in the LAD should be bypassed bc of early risk of heart attack following open heart surgery. Thursday, I asked for the study (or studies) to be sent to me but none have been sent yet. I have gone on a rigorous vegan diet that has lowered my cholesterol below 120 and my LDL below 60 and plan to stay on it for life. Have you heard of data or studies indicating a 40% blockage of the LAD should be bypassed (if heart surgery for something else is being done)? Please advise. Thank you!! Michael
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
March 11, 2018 at 5:23 amIts difficult to comment without seeing the films. I suggest you have the cardiologist discuss with the surgeon and reconcile this matter.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Roy Adkins says
March 27, 2018 at 4:51 pmI just turned 68 on march 13th, I have always been in good health for the last 6 months I have been getting real weak after walking a short distance on march the 15th of this year my son took me the hospital emergency, I had 90 per cent blockage in two artery’s, had to have two stents put in, THANK GOD I GOT THERE IN TIME.
Roy Adkins says
March 27, 2018 at 4:52 pmTHANK YOU
Greg says
April 30, 2018 at 11:29 pm04/2018 CCTA, CA score 475, 1st segment of LAD 50% narrowing, 2nd segment of LAD >70% narrowing,
3rd segment of LAD 50% narrowing, D2 high-grade narrowing, prox OM 50% narrow, prox RCA 40% narrowing,
LMain normal.
This was my CAT results. I have been setup for an angiogram in two weeks. What do these results tell you? I am a 66 yo male with no symptoms. If i get stented will i still be able to perform my job as a hardwood floor contractor? I am concerned about blood thinners. How long would I have to wait before I can start work again after that procedure if it happens? Is there a likelihood of medication only going forward? They put me on Lipitor 20 mg and baby aspirin. tia
Greg says
April 30, 2018 at 11:32 pmI have normal Cholesterol levels and normal blood pressure. 5’9″, 160 lbs. Not on any medications except the new Lipitor 20 mg and baby aspirin started last week.
Greg says
April 30, 2018 at 11:34 pmThis was the rest of my cardiac history recently:
Cardiac History
03/2018 est. CCHC for patient concerns about his cardiac structure and function
03/2018 TTE, LVEF 60%, RVSP 31 mmHg, LA mildly dilated, now WMA, Aortic sclerosis w/o stenosis
03/2018 NM MPI stress test, mod inferior ischemia, exercised 10:42 minutes, downsloping ST changes
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
May 3, 2018 at 3:56 amWork should not be an issue long term.
The cath should be performed if there are symptoms, however it would likely be equally appropriate to simply initiate medical management and see the response. Beta blocker and nitrate for example.
Why were the tests done in the first place?
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Edward P O'Donnell says
September 25, 2018 at 4:19 amHello Dr. I am a 51 year old Man who at 38 had a MI and was stented 5 days later. That was when I was 38 years old. Again being 51 now and also knowing the telltale signs I went to my Cardiologist and had all screening done. It turned out I had a 100% blockage in my LDA that was stented back in 2005. It was further up then the previous stent but still a complete blockage which I was stented again just two weeks ago. I also have a 100% blocked RCA that I am going in this Friday morning to be stented with at least 2 stents and maybe 3. Now my question to you is are these disappearing stents good for my condition rather then the lifelong metallic ones? I see hope in these new stents but fear what happens after they dissolve? Would I have to have them replaced again? This sounds so promising to me yet I am scared and rightfully so since I have heart disease and would live in fear constantly of the two arteries closing again and having another MI. Would you advise if these stents would be good for a patient like me or should I stay with the metallic stents that I have had and will have placed in me? Thank You so much for your time and advice, Edward P O’Donnell
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
October 3, 2018 at 5:00 amAs things stand, the drug coated metallic stents are the standard. More data is needed on the absorbable stents.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Jojo evangelista sebastian says
November 22, 2018 at 4:22 amDoctor i have 3 coronary blockage the 2 vessel is multiple block my Lad is totaly block it is possible sir to put a stent to my Lad my doc said to me he used drill to open may Lad totaly block it is possible to open Sir
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
November 26, 2018 at 6:16 amYes it can be opened using the right techniques and the right indications.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Sharon M. says
December 18, 2018 at 8:37 pmI am 65 years old, female. I have one blocked heart vessel at 80%. The rest of my vessels are either just fine or minimally blocked. I am due for surgery for a stent. My problem is the blood thinners I will need to take. I have already had bad reactions to Plavix and Brillani (sp.?). Have there been any experiments in blood thinning maintenance after stenting with something other than pharmaceuticals such as fish oil, etc.? I do tolerate my daily aspirin well. Have there ever been any studies where just aspirin was used? What do they do with people who are not good candidates for blood thinners? What are the risks percentagewise of succumbing to an MI from an 80% blockage, say over the next 5 years? What are the risks with a stent but no follow up blood thinners? What, in your experience, is the best tolerated blood thinner? Is the blockage reversible with exercise and diet changes? Has it ever been noted?
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
December 21, 2018 at 6:11 amRegardless of which stent used, in general 6 months to a year of blood thinner would be recommended and in some emergency situations 1 month. Effient may be another option. This should be tried prior to any intervention.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
January 13, 2019 at 8:48 amGood questions. In general, unless critical I would avoid stent placement in a patient who is not a candidate for blood thinner such as plavix, brilinta or effient. Im many patients i will trial them on one of these first to ensure they can tolerate it. To prevent acute stent issue its advised these are taken for 6-12 months, or 1-3 months minimum in some instances.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD