XIENCE V everolimus-eluting coronary stent system: a novel second generation drug-eluting stent

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have been shown to be safe and significantly reduce clinical events and angiographic restenosis in the percutaneous treatment of coronary artery disease. Currently, three DES have been approved in Europe and Northern America: the sirolimus-eluting stent (SES), the paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) and the zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES). Everolimus, an analog of sirolimus, is an immunosuppressive and antiproliferative agent. In three studies, the SPIRIT I, FUTURE I and II, the everolimus-eluting stent has proven to be safe, well-tolerated and has shown very favorable clinical and angiographic results. Compared with earlier-generation DES, the XIENCE V everolimus-eluting coronary stent system (Advanced Cardiovascular Systems Inc., an Abbott Vascular Company, CA, USA) may provide enhanced deliverability, radiopacity with thinner strut filaments and, owing to a durable polymer, sustained drug elution and vascular compatibility.