The promise of leaving nothing behind — And how to manage its failure

Until a few years ago, the world of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was clear and simple: coronary arteries require metallic stent implantation with controlled release of rapamycin analogues. Stents were introduced to cover flow-limiting dissections [1]. Later on, it was realized that stenting creates more favorable acute results and reduces restenosis compared to angioplasty alone [2]. Stents became standard of care despite the fact that a provisional stent rate of 20% to 40% would have been appropriate [3].

Source: Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine - April 21, 2017 Category: Cardiology Authors: Bruno Scheller Source Type: research