The future of BRS in bifurcations

Bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) provide a new tool for percutaneous treatment of coronary stenosis. Initially, relatively simple coronary artery lesions were treated with this novel technology; nowadays, we have gained more experience with a wide variety of lesions, including bifurcation lesions. Data are limited in terms of the use of BRS in coronary bifurcation lesions, although it has been demonstrated that over time the bioresorbable struts are replaced by a tissue bridge resembling a "neo-carina". Furthermore, data are emerging about the endothelial shear stress (ESS) alterations and blood flow patterns after scaffold implantation. It is likely that ESS and blood flow determinations will guide correct future bifurcation techniques. In the future, BRS with thinner struts and more resistant to fracture are likely to improve bifurcation treatment with BRS.

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