Medtronic reports positive initial patient data for drug-filled stent

Medtronic has announced positive patient data from the first implants of its new drug-filled stent.

Early results from an initial subset of patients in the RevElution Trial show that the device achieved rapid and well-controlled stent coverage, with early vessel healing and controlled, polymer-free drug elution.

The unique stent is designed to eliminate potential drawbacks experienced with bioabsorbable polymers and polymer-free technologies, such as inflammation due to polymer degradation and uncontrolled drug release in the absence of a polymer.

A global study of the stent is underway at multiple sites in countries including Australia and Brazil, with a total of 100 patients to be evaluated.

Jason Weidman, vice-president and general manager of the coronary and renal denervation business within Medtronic's cardiac and vascular group, said: "Through our collaboration with interventional cardiologists from around the world to advance our coronary portfolio together, we believe the drug-filled stent represents a significant breakthrough in stent design and engineering."

This comes after the firm announced study data earlier this month showing the durability of its Valiant thoracic stent graft system over a five-year period.