Covered stents: A 25‐year odyssey

Abstract

Key Points The concept of the PTFE‐covered stent was introduced 25 years ago in the treatment of an aneurysmal vein graft. The study by Pavani et al. represents the largest cohort of patients treated with covered stents for Ellis type 3 perforations. Covered stents are effective in treating coronary perforations and remain an invaluable tool in the cardiac catheterization lab.

Out of the Mind of Edward B. Diethrich: The Development of the Polytetrafluoroethylene-Covered Coronary Stent

“…5 In Ellis type II and III coronary perforations, covered coronary stents are the treatment of choice, especially after failure of conservative measures such as prolonged balloon inflation. 15,16 Coronary artery aneurysms, localized dilatations with a diameter 1.5 times greater than the adjacent normal segment, occur in 0.2% to 4.9% of patients and usually affect the right coronary artery. Independent of etiology, coronary aneurysms lead to turbulent or sluggish flow, increasing the long-term risk of myocardial infarction.…”

“…5 In Ellis type II and III coronary perforations, covered coronary stents are the treatment of choice, especially after failure of conservative measures such as prolonged balloon inflation. 15,16…”