Drug-eluting stents: the next generation

The small but absolute increase in late and very late stent thrombosis associated with drug-eluting stent technology may in part be related to the permanent, durable polymers currently employed with these stent platforms. Research has recently focused on two strategies to combat this problem; bioabsorbable polymers and polymer-free stents. This article critically reviews the key clinical trials and recent conference updates surrounding these two approaches and future directions for technology development.