This review aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of bioabsorbable stents in the inferior genicular artery, from the emergence of absorbable bare metal stents to the latest technology in polymer and anti-proliferative eluting drugs mixed with coated bioresorbable vascular stents (BVSs). Currently, there are conflicting data regarding the safety and effectiveness of BVSs in infrapopliteal artery interventions, especially compared to the current generation of drug-eluting stents (DESs). This review will cover the existing data on BVSs in reconstructing the infrapopliteal arterial blood flow and active clinical trials for future iterations of BVSs. In terms of primary patency rate and target lesion revascularization rate, the available research on the effectiveness of BVSs in reconstructing the infrapopliteal arterial blood flow suggests that a BVS is compatible with current DESs within 3-12 months; long-term data have not yet been reported. The ABSORB BVS is the most studied BVS in cardiovascular disease (CAD). Initially, the ABSORB BVS showed promising results. Managing intricate regions in peripheral artery disorders, such as branching or lengthy lesions, continues to be a formidable undertaking. In contrast to the advanced narrowing of arteries seen in standard permanent stent procedures, bioabsorbable stents have the potential to promote the expansion and beneficial merging of blood channels in the latter stages. Furthermore, incorporating stents and re-establishing the endothelial function can diminish the probability of restenosis or thrombosis. Nevertheless, the extent to which bioabsorbable stents may simultaneously preserve arterial patency and guarantee their structural integrity remains uncertain. The powerful and intricate mechanical stresses exerted by the blood in the superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery can cause negative consequences on any implant inserted into the vessel, regardless of its composition, even metal. Furthermore, incorporating stents is advantageous for treating persistent occlusive lesions since it does not impact later treatments, including corrective bypass operations. Evidence is scarce about the use of bioabsorbable stents in treating infrapopliteal lesions. Utilizing bioabsorbable stents in minor infrapopliteal lesions can successfully maintain the patency of the blood vessel lumen, whereas balloon angioplasty cannot offer this benefit. The primary focus of testing these materials is determining whether bioabsorbable scaffolds can provide adequate radial force in highly calcified elongated lesions. Indeed, using \"-limus\" medication elution technology in conjunction with bioabsorbable stents has previously offered clinical benefits in treating the popliteal artery, as evidenced by limited trials.BVSs for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) show promise and have the potential to offer a less inflammatory and more vessel-friendly option compared to permanent metallic stents. However, current evidence does not yet allow for a universal recommendation for their use. Thus, ongoing, and future studies, such as those examining the newer generation of bioresorbable scaffolds (BRSs) with improved mechanical properties and resorption profiles, will be crucial in defining the role of BRSs in managing PAD.

UNASSIGNED: The Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) was proposed to assess the procedural complexity and technical failure rate and stratify the anatomic pattern of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). However, more evidence is needed to validate the GLASS in staging outcomes after endovascular therapy in patients with CLTI treated with drug-coated balloons (DCBs). This study aims to evaluate the role of the GLASS in predicting outcomes of CLTI patients treated with DCBs.
UNASSIGNED: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with CLTI treated with DCBs from July 2016 to June 2019. GLASS stages were assigned for every limb. The limb-based patency (LBP) rate, clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) rate, clinical improvement, and safety endpoints were analyzed and compared across the GLASS stages over 12 months of follow-up. Risk factors for the loss of LBP were identified using Cox regression analysis.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 90 limbs were enrolled, with 55 (61.1%) having isolated femoropopliteal lesions and 35 (38.9%) having femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal lesions. Of the limbs, 17 (18.9%), 12 (13.3%), and 61 (67.8%) were assigned to GLASS stages I, II, and III, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the 12-month LBP was 65.4%, and no difference was found among the different stages (stage I 81.1%; stage II 85.2%; stage III 54.4%; P=0.080). The LBP was lower in stage III than in stages I and II combined (stage I and II 83.5%; stage III 54.4%; P=0.027). Similar results were found for the freedom from CD-TLR rates among the different stages. The ankle-brachial index values improved from 0.42±0.29 to 0.78±0.35 at follow-up (P<0.001). The rates of mortality, any amputation, and major amputation were similar among the groups. GLASS stage III and coronary heart disease were identified as independent risk factors for the loss of LBP at 12 months.
UNASSIGNED: The 1-year LBP and freedom from CD-TLR rates were lower in GLASS stage III than in stages I and II. The GLASS classification could predict the outcomes of CLTI patients with femoropopliteal lesions treated with DCB.