AI-Driven "Precision Stenting" (OCT & IVUS)
The success of a DES in 2026 is no longer just about the device, but the implantation technique. Interventional cardiologists now use AI-integrated Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) during the procedure.
Pre-Stenting: AI automatically maps the calcium density and vessel diameter to choose the perfect stent size.
Post-Stenting: The system checks for "malapposition" (gaps between the stent and the wall).
In 2026, "geographic miss"—placing a stent that doesn't quite cover the whole blockage—has been nearly eliminated. This precision ensures that the drug is delivered evenly to the entire diseased area, reducing the 10-year risk of stent thrombosis to below $1$%.
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