Next-generation DES: the COMBO dual therapy stent with Genous endothelial progenitor capturing technology and an abluminal sirolimus matrix.

In contrast to the use of cytotoxic or cytostatic drugs, a 'pro-healing' approach may have an effect that is beneficial on clinical outcomes. The endothelial progenitor cell capturing stent (ECS) technology accelerates re-endothelialization after implantation in animal models and in the human arteriovenous shunt model. Several clinical studies have shown its safety in non-complex lesions. However, in the prevention of in-stent restenosis in complex lesions, the ECS is less effective compared with drug-eluting stents. The novel COMBO dual therapy stent is the first stent to combine accelerated endothelial coverage and control of neo-intimal proliferation using a pro-healing technology with an abluminal elution of sirolimus. In the randomized REMEDEE trial, the COMBO dual therapy stent showed similar angiographic and clinical outcomes compared to the paclitaxel-eluting stent. The REMEDEE-OCT study showed equal vascular healing as assessed by optical coherence tomography of the COMBO dual therapy stent compared to the Xience-V stent.