Late adverse events after drug-eluting stent implantation.

Stents that elute antiproliferative drugs prevent restenosis after percutaneous coronary artery revascularization, reducing the need for repeat procedures. Randomized trials in low-risk patients supported initial regulatory approval for drug-eluting stents (DES). In 2006, meta-analyses of long-term outcomes from these trials associated DES use with adverse events, believed to be attributable to late stent thrombosis, occurring more than 9 months after the initial procedure. This article appraises these late adverse effects and illustrates the power and shortcomings of large national registries, focused, well-conducted clinical trials, and meta-analyses of clinical trial data. This timely, robust evidence base reflects an alignment of academic, industry, and public health priorities.

Duke Scholars

Author David Franklin Kong Medicine, Cardiology

Author Eric Leo Eisenstein Medicine, Cardiology