A new novolimus-eluting bioresorbable coronary scaffold: Present status and future clinical perspectives

The DESolve® scaffold (Elixir Medical Corporation, Sunnyvale, California, USA) is manufactured from a poly-l-lactide based polymer and elutes an anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory drug, Novolimus from a poly-l-lactide based topcoat mixture. The strut thickness is 150 μm and the scaffold has platinum-iridium radiopaque markers at both ends. Radial support is available during the early time period to prevent recoil. The scaffold biodegrades within 1 year (> 90% reduction in molecular weight) and then completely bioresorbs within 2 years. The DESolve® scaffold permits a wide range of expansion with a consequently reduced risk for strut fracture. Lumen and scaffold enlargement is observed within 3-6 months in both preclinical and clinical studies potentially allowing for the scaffolded region to respond to vasoactive stimuli. The device has a unique property of self-correction observed in bench top studies, which in clinical practice has the potential to eliminate minor malapposition following deployment.