Increasing role of interventional cardiology in coronary artery disease (CAD) has led to advancements in the field of drug eluting stents (DES). Spurred by the need for effective therapies, latest DES called as bio absorbable stents are currently being used across healthcare institutions in India.

Bio absorbable stents marks the latest evolution in the field of DES since its introduction in the 90's as it help in the growth and recovery of endothelium of the heart. Endothelium lines the inside of the vessels. According to experts, this will bring about revolutionary changes in the treatment of CAD as traditional metal stents gets incorporated into the wall of the artery over a period of time and leads to loss of relaxing properties of the artery called as endothelial function.

Bio-absorbable stents are poised to gain acceptance over a period of time through its efficacious use in the treatment of CAD. Says Dr Sanjay Rajdev, Interventional Cardiologist, Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai, "These stents are a welcome change to Interventional Cardiology taking into consideration its usage in maintenance of endothelial function over a long period and use of the implanted site for bypass graft insertion in the future if needed."

Interventional cardiology plays a prominent role in CAD as it can help to avert complications like sudden complete blockage of artery leading to acute heart attack. In these circumstances, a quick angioplasty and stent placement across the site of blocked artery can be life saving."Indications for its use are small to moderate focal lesions in native coronary arteries of certain size," Rajdev elaborates.

Currently bio - absorbable stents account for more than two to three per cent of all the stent procedures done. Since these stents are twice the cost of drug eluting stents, price may come down in the near future which will help wider use of such stents. One stent costs around Rs.
2 lakhs, the price may vary a little depending upon institution and city.

Cardiac disorders can be prevented to a great extent by periodic screening and keeping the baseline profile established. Experts also emphasize that preventive measures remain the cornerstone of maintaining a healthy heart. Regular exercise, proper diet, timely consultation with a cardiologist when a person reaches 40 years to screen for risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels must be done. Good habits like outdoor sports and eating healthy must be inculcated from childhood.