What is the restenosis rate for drug-eluting stents (DES)?

• A. 50%
• B. 20-25%
• C. 5%
• D. 30%

Answer: (C)

The restenosis rate for drug-eluting stents (DES) is typically around 5%. This low rate is one of the significant advantages of using drug-eluting stents compared to bare-metal stents, which tend to have higher restenosis rates due to the body’s natural healing process that can lead to excessive tissue growth at the site of the stent. Drug-eluting stents release medication that inhibits cell proliferation and reduces the inflammatory response, effectively lowering the likelihood of restenosis. This advancement has been instrumental in improving long-term outcomes for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.

The other options represent higher restenosis rates that are more characteristic of bare-metal stents or other older technologies, which do not benefit from the anti-proliferative effects of the drugs used in drug-eluting stents. Understanding the mechanisms by which drug-eluting stents reduce restenosis is crucial for appreciating their role in modern interventional cardiology.