These data suggest that clopidogrel may be an effective pharmacological regimen after coronary stent implantation. Furthermore, the simpler dosing regimen, the absence of neutropenia, and the lower frequency of other side effects make it a safe alternative to ticlopidine.

Background-We used intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to evaluate recurrence after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Methods and Results-Forty-eight ISR lesions (41 patients with objective evidence of ischemia) were treated with SES.Recurrent ISR was identified in 11 lesions (all focal); repeat revascularization was performed in 10.

Stent underexpansion and residual reference segment stenosis are associated with stent thrombosis after successful SES implantation.