文摘
Self-expanding coronary stents represent an independent option in the therapy of coronary artery disease. The specific elastic material property of the nitinol scaffold makes them a preferred treatment for large diameter bifurcations (e. g. distal main stem stenoses), ectatic and aneurysmatic vessels, saphenous vein grafts and dissections. Compared to balloon expandable stents, specific training with self-expanding coronary stents is necessary for adequate handling and their stiffness can hinder insertion in tortuous and calcified lesions. Another limiting factor is their current costs, which are not fully reimbursed by the German diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system; however, in special cases the use of a self-expanding stent can solve a difficult coronary pathology where balloon expandable stents have limitations. Self-expanding stents are therefore an additional asset in any catheter laboratory.