FDA Approves Absorbable Stent

The FDA approved Abbott’s fully absorbable stent to treat coronary artery disease. The Absorb GT1 Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold System releases everolimus to limit the growth of scar tissue and is gradually absorbed by the body in roughly three years.

The drug-eluting stent is manufactured from a biodegradable polymer called poly(L-lactide), which is similar to materials used in other types of absorbable medical devices, such as sutures. The device’s absorption by the body gradually eliminates the presence of foreign material in the artery once the stent is no longer needed.