Drug-Eluting vs. Bare-Metal Vascular Stents
Vascular stents can be broadly classified into bare-metal stents and drug-eluting stents. Bare-metal stents provide mechanical support to keep arteries open but may allow tissue regrowth that can narrow the vessel again.
Drug-eluting stents release medication over time to inhibit excessive tissue growth. This reduces the risk of restenosis and improves long-term outcomes, particularly in coronary arteries.
However, drug-eluting stents require prolonged use of blood-thinning medications to prevent clot formation. The choice between stent types depends on patient health, vessel location, and bleeding risk.
Both stent types have proven effectiveness when used appropriately and monitored carefully.
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