The First-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents and Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction

Recently, a growing body of clinical data has shown that the first generation of drug-eluting stents (1st-gen DES) implantation could elicit coronary conduit artery vasomotor dysfunction at nonstented reference segments as late as 12 months after implantation compared with that seen with bare-metal stents. The mechanism of this phenomenon is still not fully understood. Pathological studies have implicated delayed arterial healing and poor re-endothelialization after the 1st-gen DES implantation. Given the vast use of DES globally, a thorough understanding of the early and long-term safety of these devices is paramount. Therefore, this article systematically reviews the current clinical, pathophysiological, and histopathological available data regarding 1st-gen DES-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction. Meanwhile, we will also review the newer generation of DES and emerging endothelial-friendly technology.