In our randomized trial we failed to demonstrate the superiority of the IVUS guidance during DES implantation over standard high-pressure postdilatation. However we confirmed worrisome results concerning DES thrombosis after discontinuation of dual antiplatelet-treatment with documented stent thrombosis related events in almost 5% of patients with 50% of mortality in this high-risk clinical scenario.

The present study showed reduced neointimal proliferation after sirolimuseluting as compared to paclitaxel-eluting stents in patients with complex coronary artery disease. Both SES and PES were associated with low rate of angiographic restenosis or major adverse cardiovascular events.

The use of EPC capture stents in the setting of STEMI is feasible and safe in terms of 30-days outcome. However, at the 6-month follow-up, we found a trend of higher rates of MACE and TLR in the EPC stent capture group compared to CoCr stents. The study does not support the use of EPC capture stents with short duration dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with STEMI. Future randomized studies with large sample sizes would be necessary to demonstrate the safety of such approach. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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The authors present a fatal case of late thrombosis of paclitaxel-eluting stent implanted in the left main stem occurring 6 months after the procedure and 3 weeks after the cessation of clopidogrel. An autopsy has shown the lack of endothelization of deployed stent.