The AVE Micro Coronary Stent as a Bailout Device

Vessel closure following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) remains an important source of morbidity and mortality. In this study we have evaluated the AVE Micro stent in the management of the bailout situation following angioplasty. All patients with abrupt vessel closure or threatened abrupt vessel closure managed with this device were included in the study population. Between January 1995 and January 1996, 86 consecutive patients with abrupt or threatened abrupt vessel closure following PTCA were managed with the AVE Micro coronary stent. Fifty-seven patients were male, the mean age was 60 years (range 32-76). Three patients had acute myocardial infarction and 58 had unstable angina. Six had a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30%. A total of 109 stents were implanted in 86 patients. There was one procedural failure. One patient died following emergency CABG. Emergency CABG was required in an additional two cases, both had a significant rise in CK (MB). Non-Q-wave myocardial infarction occurred in an additional five patients (6%). Subacute stent thrombosis occurred in six cases (7%). Major vascular complications occurred in three patients (4%), necessitating surgical repair of the femoral artery in two. Sixty-one patients (72%) had a 30 day event-free survival. The mean duration of hospital admission was 7 days (range 4-30 days). In conclusion, the AVE Micro coronary stent is an effective device in the management of abrupt and threatened abrupt vessel closure following PTCA. Its use is associated with a high procedural success rate and a relatively low complication rate.