Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital is First in Arizona to Use Revolutionary Absorbable Stent

Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center recently became the first hospital in Arizona to use the only Federal Drug Administration approved bio-absorbable stent to save a patient's life.

Stents are tiny mesh tubes doctors use to prop open clogged arteries, allowing blood to flow freely to the heart.  Physicians say these stents are one of the most significant advances in coronary treatment in many years. The new technology, called SYNERGY, is the first and only bio-absorbable polymer drug eluting stent in the nation, approved for use by the FDA.

"This is an example of the new frontier for heart patients," says Nabil Dib, MD, director of cardiovascular translational research at St. Joseph's. "Bringing the most advanced medical technologies, like the SYNERGY stent, directly supports our commitment to providing outstanding patient care through advanced treatment options."

Manufactured by Boston Scientific, the SYNERGY stent is the first of a new generation of non-metal stents that are absorbed by the body within 12 months.  Designed for faster healing, the SYNERGY stent offers medication, which inhibits coronary blockages from recurring, and freedom from permanent polymer exposure, which has been associated with complications such as vessel re-narrowing and blood clots.

"We are pleased to be working closely with St. Joseph's in Phoenix to ensure patients can access this innovative technology," said Kevin Ballinger, President, Interventional Cardiology, Boston Scientific.

"In development for over 10 years, the SYNERGY Stent reflects our commitment to bringing meaningful change to interventional cardiologists with the most complete portfolio of clinical solutions to best treat their patients. We are excited to bring this transformative technology to U.S. facilities that provide best-in-class patient care."