The elective use of the seven-cell NIR stent in coronary arteries < 2.75 mm in diameter: clinical and angiographic results at 6-month follow-up.

The outcome of interventional procedures has been improved by the use of coronary stents in vessels > 3.0 mm in diameter. We report a single-center prospective study of elective coronary stenting in 39 consecutive patients with de novo lesions and reference diameters < 2.75 mm. Seven-cell NIR stents were deployed with standard antiplatelet therapy, but without routine use of IIb/IIIa inhibitors or intravascular ultrasound. There was one case of acute stent thrombosis, but no cases of subacute thrombosis. The binary restenosis rate was 27.8% (10/36 lesions) and the target lesion revascularization rate was 19.4%. Symptoms improved markedly as judged by Canadian Cardiovascular Society and questionnaire scores and the use of antianginal therapy. This pilot study suggests that the elective use of coronary stents in vessels < 2.75 mm in diameter is safe with acceptable long-term results. A randomized trial comparing outcomes after stents and balloon angioplasty in small vessels is required. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.