What are the long-term outcomes of DES? The long-term outcomes of drug-eluting stents (DES) are a major topic of research in interventional cardiology. Since their introduction, they have revolutionized the treatment of coronary artery disease by significantly reducing the need for repeat procedures. Long-term studies and registries have provided valuable data on their effectiveness and safety over many years.
Here is a summary of the long-term outcomes of DES:
1. Significant Reduction in Restenosis
This is the primary long-term benefit of DES. Compared to bare-metal stents (BMS), DES have been shown to drastically reduce the rate of in-stent restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) over time. Studies have shown that the need for a repeat revascularization procedure in the stented vessel is much lower with DES. This advantage has been shown to extend for many years after the initial procedure, with long-term follow-up studies confirming the sustained efficacy.