Coronary Stenting: Reflections on a 35-Year Journey

Stenting was introduced as a therapy for coronary artery disease 35 years ago, and is currently the most commonly performed minimally invasive procedure globally. Percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCI), initially by plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) and later by stenting, has dramatically impacted the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Coronary stenting is probably the most intensively studied therapy in medicine based on the number of randomized clinical trials for a broad range of indications. Continuous improvements in stent materials, design and coatings concurrent with procedural innovations have truly been awe-inspiring. The story of stenting is replete with high points and some low points, such as the initial experience with stent thrombosis (ST) and restenosis, and the more recent disappointment with bioabsorbable scaffolds. History has shown both rapid growth of stent use with expansion of indications followed by contraction of some uses in response to clinical trial evidence in support of bypass surgery or medical therapy. This review traces the constantly evolving story of the coronary stent from its earliest experience until the present time. Undoubtedly, future iterations of stent design and materials will continue to move the stent story forward. BRIEF SUMMARY Coronary stenting was introduced 35 years ago, and is currently the most commonly performed minimally invasive procedure globally. The history of stenting is replete with high points and some low points, such as the initial experience with stent thrombosis and restenosis. This review traces the constantly evolving story of the coronary stent from its earliest experience until the present time, and looking ahead to future innovations.