Going into detail on what this term means and how it relates to health guidelines. This article may be incomplete.
A drug-eluting stent (DES) is a type of medical device that is used to help keep a coronary artery open in the treatment of coronary artery disease. It is placed during a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or angioplasty. The stent is a small mesh tube that is inserted into the narrowed or blocked artery to help improve blood flow to the heart muscle. What sets a DES apart from a traditional stent is its special coating, which slowly releases medication over time to help prevent the artery from becoming blocked again, a process known as restenosis.
The medication in the coating of the DES is typically an anti-proliferative drug that helps to inhibit the growth of cells in the artery that can lead to renarrowing. This drug release can vary depending on the specific type of DES used, but the goal is to provide ongoing treatment to prevent future complications. DES have been shown to be effective in reducing the need for repeat procedures compared to bare-metal stents, which do not have the drug-coated component. Patients who receive a DES may still need to take medications to prevent blood clots, as with any stent, but the added benefit of the drug-eluting component can help improve long-term outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease.