Imaging assessment of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds

Vascular reparative therapy has become a reality with bioresorbable scaffolds (BRSs). To assess acute and long-term performance of the device, multimodality imaging would be essential. Radiopacity of metal hinders the imaging assessment, whereas radiolucent polymeric scaffolds allow for a precise imaging assessment with either invasive or non-invasive modality at baseline and at follow-up, which is one of the advantages of polymeric BRSs. Recent large trials evaluating clinical results of the first-generation BRS technology raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of these devices, namely, scaffold thrombosis. Intensive research with multimodality imaging in the field is being conducted to have in-depth understanding of the issues, which will facilitate the improvement of implantation techniques and the development of the next-generation BRSs. The current review focuses on the clinical application of the imaging modalities to assess the short- and long-term performance of the Absorb BVS.