Recent Advancements in Drug-Eluting Stents: A Comprehensive Review

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have revolutionized the field of interventional cardiology by significantly reducing restenosis rates compared to bare-metal stents (BMS). Over the past two decades, there have been remarkable advancements in DES technology aimed at improving efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes. This comprehensive review provides an overview of recent developments in DES design, drug formulations, coatings, and delivery systems. It discusses the clinical evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of next-generation DES and explores emerging strategies to address remaining challenges, such as late stent thrombosis and neo atherosclerosis. Additionally, the paper examines future directions in DES research, including bioresorbable stents, drug-free coatings, and personalized approaches to stent selection.