BIOCOMPATIBLE STENTS AND VALVES: THE EVOLUTION OF BIOMATERIALS IN INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

This review examines the evolution of biocompatible stents and heart valves, with a focus on advances in the development of the biomaterials used and their impact on the efficacy and safety of cardiovascular treatments. Bare-metal stents (BMS), drug-coated stents (DES), and bioresorbable stents (BRS) are the main categories of stents, each with specific advantages and limitations. Advanced generation DESs use biodegradable polymers, reducing the risk of thrombosis, while BRS are absorbed by the body after a pe time, minimizing long-term complications. In the case of heart valves, the differences between mechanical and biological valves influence the choice of therapy, being determined by the patient's needs in terms of durability and the need for anticoagulation. Recent advances include the use of nanomaterials, 3D printing, and advanced techniques for decellularizing biological tissues, improving the biocompatibility and personalization of devices. However, challenges remain significant, from durability and mechanical stability to cost and affordability.