BACKGROUND: Research on patented technology contributes to understanding the development and key technology of the related field, and enhances the ability to grasp the technological developments in this field. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the patent application situation and technical development route in the field of fully-degradable polylactic acid stents. METHODS: We searched the patent applications for fully-degradable polylactic acid stents all over the world, and analyzed relevant information in the following aspects: annual application quantity, the distribution of the main applicants, the branches of the patent technology, the analysis of the important applicants. Afterwards, we focused on the blending modification of polylactic acid stents, and analyzed its core patents and the development of patented technology. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The fully-degradable polylactic acid stent is the focus direction of current research in the field of vascular stents. Materials, technique and structural design are the main aspects for patent applications in this field. Among them, the application for improvement of materials is the most frequently conducted, which is the earliest branch of technology in this field. In terms of technical requirements, improving the mechanical properties of scaffolds, controlling the degradation rate of stents, and improving the controlled release of drugs are the main concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]