BACKGROUND: Despite the marked reduction in restenosis rates following drug-eluting stent (DES) use, this complication still happens in 5%-25% of the cases. The natural history and the best treatment for DES in-stent restenosis are still to be defined. METHODS: Between May 2002 and November 2007, all consecutive cases of DES restenosis treated with another DES were included in this registry. The type of DES to be deployed was at the surgeon's discretion. Follow-up data were obtained at 1, 6, and 12 months and then annually. The primary endpoint of this study was the incidence of combined major cardiac events (MACE). RESULTS: Of the 45 patients (53 lesions) submitted to new percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with DES, 66.6% were men. Diabetes mellitus was observed in 35.5% of the patients. Most in-stent restenosis were focal (75%). Reference vessel diameter and lesion length were 2.99 ± 0.5 mm and 11.33 ± 5.8 mm, respectively. A different type of DES was preferred in 28% of the cases. Angiographic success was achieved in all cases. Clinical data of all population were obtained (mean 2.7 ± 1.1 years). In the long term, the cumulative rate of MACE was 13.3%, and 5 (11.1%) patients manifested recurrent symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a DES to treat a previous DES in-stent restenosis represents a safe and efficient approach, with low rates of adverse events in the short and long terms.
Stents, adverse effects; Coronary restenosis; Angioplasty, transluminal, percutaneous coronary; Coronary disease; Treatment outcome
