Boston Scientific commences clinical trial for new stent

Boston Scientific has announced the commencement of a clinical trial for a new stent system which is designed to be safer and more flexible than previous technology.

The first patient has been enrolled on the international Evolve trial, which aims to test the efficacy of the new fourth-generation Synergy coronary stent among 291 participants from 35 nations.

According to Boston Scientific, the new stent differs from other devices by using an outer coating based on a bioabsorbable PLGA polymer and an everolimus drug formulation.

This coating can be absorbed by the body leaving only the bare metal stent once the drug has been delivered, providing faster healing and a lower risk of adverse events such as late stent thrombosis.

Hank Kucheman, executive vice-president and president of Boston Scientific’s cardiology, rhythm and vascular group, said: “We believe this technology will represent a significant advance for drug-eluting stents and should help us maintain our global leadership position in the drug-eluting stent market.”

Last month, Boston Scientific launched the Neuroform EZ stent, which is designed to make it easier to treat wide-necked aneurysms.