705 - Now You See It, Now You Don’t: Novel Applications of Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds

Learning Objectives: (1) Understand the structural and functional properties of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) and their role in temporary mechanical support. (2) Describe novel reported cases of BVS in interventional radiology across peripheral and visceral circulations. (3) Discuss potential advantages and limitations of BVS compared with permanent metallic stents.

Background: Conventional endovascular support has relied on metallic stents, which may be prone to complications such as fracture, restenosis, or restriction of future surgical options, particularly in small-caliber or mobile arteries. BVS, initially designed for coronary intervention, provide temporary support and drug delivery before resorption and are now being applied to peripheral interventions. The LIFE-BTK trial in patients with peripheral artery disease showed superior infrapopliteal patency and fewer reinterventions than angioplasty, highlighting potential in below-the-knee disease. In parallel, case reports have described novel interventional radiology applications, demonstrating feasibility in anatomically complex or surgically sensitive territories.

Clinical Findings/Procedure Details:

• Case 1: Subclavian artery stenosis treated with coronary BVS, demonstrating 2-year patency and avoiding metallic hardware near vertebral origin.


• Case 2: Traumatic brachial artery occlusion in a 9-year-old managed with BVS, preserving flow and complication-free at 4 years; highlighted benefit of avoiding permanent implants in growing vessels.


• Case 3: Young adult with traumatic posterior tibial pseudoaneurysm near the ankle treated with BVS and thrombin injection. Scaffold excluded pseudoaneurysm neck while preserving the vessel on follow-up.

Conclusion and/or Teaching Points: BVS represent a novel tool for interventional radiology, with emerging case reports supporting their feasibility in anatomically challenging or surgically sensitive vascular territories. Their resorption offers advantages in long-term vessel health, particularly in young patients or small-caliber, high-mobility arteries where metallic stents are prone to fatigue and restenosis. Although limitations include size availability, technical familiarity, and limited clinical evidence, BVS may play an increasing role in vessel-preserving interventions as technology evolves.