Delayed strut fracture of sirolimus-eluting stent: a significant problem or an occasional observation?

In-stent restenosis after implantation of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) still occur in some cases and stent fracture was recently suggested as a new potential mechanism of restenosis. We report a case of delayed stent strut fracture after percutaneous coronary intervention with SES. Until now, three cases regarding Cypher stent fracture have been reported in the literature. Further investigation should be performed to elucidate the clinical significance of stent fractures of SES.     

Dark side of drug-eluting stent: multiple stent fractures and sudden death

Recently reported stent fractures after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation were found several months later during the follow-up of coronary angiogram (CAG) and single fracture mostly. The study reports a case of sequential, continuous, multiple coronary stent fracture and sudden death.     

Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction 6 years following a sirolimus-eluting stent secondary to complete stent fracture

With increasing coronary interventions, coronary stent fracture following implantation of drug-eluting stents is being commonly recognized. Though isolated strut fractures are often only incidental findings, more severe forms of stent fracture with complete transection have adverse clinical outcomes. Most such cases are reported within several months following the index angioplasty. We report an unusual presentation of late stent fracture following a sirolimus-eluting stent, presenting with acute myocardial infarction 6 years after the initial stent implantation. The various mechanisms underlying fracture of drug-eluting stents are reviewed. Because no known mechanisms were noted in our case, unknown factors may also play a role in the genesis of stent fracture. Clinicians need to be aware that such complications may present rarely, extremely late after the index procedure as an acute myocardial infarction.     

A case of popliteal stent fracture with pseudoaneurysm formation.

We describe a case of angiographically documented stent fracture and pseudoaneurysm formation in a patient with femoropopliteal disease, which was successfully treated with deployment of an endovascular stent graft. Technical aspects of the procedure are discussed and the experience with stent fractures previously reported in the literature is reviewed.     

Drug‐eluting stent fracture: Incidence,contributing factors,and clinical implications

Stent fracture has been observed in noncoronary vessels, especially in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries and with bare metal stents in saphenous vein grafts of coronary arteries. Since the introduction of drug‐eluting stents, stent fractures have also been reported in small studies and case reports. We reviewed these publications to assess what is known regarding the incidence, contributing factors, and clinical implications of drug‐eluting stent fracture in coronary arteries. The reported rate of drug‐eluting stent fracture in coronary arteries ranges from 1 to 8%, although much of the available literature is derived from single‐center studies that are heterogeneous in their study methods. A higher risk of stent fracture may be associated with the right coronary artery location, excessive tortuosity or angulation of the vessel, overlapping stents, and longer stents. The closed‐cell design of the Cypher stent has been associated with increased rigidity that may increase the risk of stent fracture, although these studies did not assess the overall outcomes between the Cypher and Taxus stents in a head‐to‐head comparison. Stent fracture has been shown by most studies to be associated with a statistically increased incidence of focal in‐stent restenosis, and some have shown an increased risk of target lesion revascularization. Other complications observed with stent fracture include stent thrombosis, coronary aneurysms, myocardial infarction, and sudden death. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

药物洗脱支架断裂的影像认识

目的借助冠状动脉造影和血管内超声的影像资料,确定支架断裂的发生和类型。方法回顾性分析北京大学人民医院2 021例冠状动脉造影和183例血管内超声（IVUS）影像资料。结果共发现3例患者的6处支架断裂,其中2例经IVUS证实。3例支架断裂均发生在西罗莫司药物洗脱支架,且均发生在冠状动脉介入术后1年以内。冠状动脉造影证实4处支架断裂为完全断裂伴断裂处支架移位。IVUS证实3处支架断裂为完全断裂,2处为部分断裂;1处断裂靠近支架重叠处;1处支架断裂伴有血管瘤形成。结论冠状动脉造影和IVUS可以帮助确定支架断裂的诊断。     

Multiple Stent Fractures After Everolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation Causing Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report

Stent fracture is an uncommon complication of drug-eluting stent implantation, but it has a clinical significance because of its potential association with adverse cardiac events such as in-stent restenosis, target lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis. Multiple stent fractures account for a small proportion, but they may lead to more serious complications. Newer generation drug-eluting stents are designed for improved safety and efficacy compared with early generation drug-eluting stents. Multiple stent fractures after newer generation drug-eluting stent implantation are a rare case.We report a case of 25-year-old male who presented with acute myocardial infarction caused by multiple stent fractures after everolimus-eluting stents implantation and was treated by balloon angioplasty.Physicians should be aware of the possibility of multiple stent fractures even after newer generation drug-eluting stent implantation.     

Acute coronary syndrome due to early multiple and complete fractures in sirolimus‐eluting stent: A case report and brief literature review

Despite drug eluting stents (DES), as compared to bare metal stents, have reduced in‐stent restenosis, complex and long lesions remains a challenge for interventional cardiologist. Their treatment is often associated with an unfavorable outcome, related to in‐stent restenosis, stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularization. These complications may derive from the contact between metallic structures and coronary artery endothelium, and consequent overexpression of platelet activating factors, growth factors, and inflammatory cytokines. Recently, an additional mechanism has emerged as new cause of these complications: “stent fracture.” Several factors are involved in this phenomenon including material and stent platform, target vessel features, stent implantation technique, and implant duration. We reported a case of 69 years old man with rare early and complex DES fractures on right coronary that caused acute coronary syndrome 36 hr after a previous percutaneous coronary intervention.© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Multiple stent strut fracture-induced restenosis in a diffuse long lesion treated with overlapping heterogeneous drug-eluting stent

Coronary stent fracture can be a potentially serious complication to stenting leading to various complications, such as restenosis, and even occlusion. We reported multiple stent fracture of overlapping paclitaxel and sirolimus-eluting stent. Although an overwhelming majority of stent fracture was reported from sirolimus-eluting stent, our case showed that fracture of paclitaxel-eluting stent could occur by similar mechanisms as in sirolimus-eluting stent. So angiographic follow-up with intravascular ultrasound should be performed to elucidate the clinical significance of stent fracture of DES regardless of DES type.     

Stent fracture associated with drug‐eluting stents: Clinical characteristics and implications

Objective : To evaluate the clinical characteristics and implications of stent fracture in drug‐eluting stents. Background : Approximately 2.5 million drug‐eluting stents are implanted every year worldwide. In 10 randomized controlled trials involving 2,602 patients, no incidence of stent fracture was recognized or reported. Methods : From April 2003 to December 2005, 2,728 patients underwent drug‐eluting stenting. The angiograms of all 530 patients who underwent repeat angiography were analyzed to identify the presence of stent fracture. We then documented the incidence of adverse events associated with drug‐eluting stent fracture and systematically analyzed the clinical, procedural, and structural factors, which might predispose to stent fracture. Results : Stent fracture was identified in 10 patients. None of these fractures were detectable at the time of stent placement. The median time interval from stent implantation to detection of fracture at repeat angiography was 226 days (range, 7–620 days). Adverse clinical outcomes associated with stent fracture occurred in 7 patients (6 patients had binary restenosis and 1 patient had stent thrombosis), all necessitating repeat intervention. Analysis of potential predisposing clinical, procedural, and structural factors revealed that 4 patients had excessive tortuosity in the proximal segment, and overlapping stents were used in 5 cases. All fractures occurred in sirolimus‐eluting stents. Conclusions : Stent fracture may represent a new potential mechanism of restenosis and stent thrombosis in drug‐eluting stents. Predisposing clinical and procedural factors may be vessel tortuosity and use of overlapping stents. The most important predisposing factor, however, may be stent structure, since all fractures occurred in sirolimus‐eluting stents. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Very late sirolimus-eluting stent displaced fracture in the mid-left anterior descending artery

Coronary stent fractures are very rare. The predisposing factors for stent fractures are excessive postdilatation, overlapping stents and a hinge site in a tortuous coronary artery. We report a case of very late (after 699 days), displaced, sirolimus-eluting stent fracture deployed at nominal pressures without postdilatation and at a non-hinge portion of the left anterior descending artery.     

Sirolimus-eluting stent displaced fracture: case report and review of the literature

Drug-eluting stents have greatly reduced the risk of in-stent restenosis compared to bare metal stents by inhibiting neointimal growth. However, they may carry some long-term risks, especially the risk of late stent thrombosis. Recently, several cases of drug-eluting stent fracture have been also reported. The mechanisms, the diagnosis, the clinical implications and the management of this new complication are not well-known. We report the observation of a new case of displaced, sirolimus drug-eluting stent fracture. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in France.     

Stent Fracture in the Coronary and Peripheral Arteries

Inherent risks of stenting include restenosis and thrombosis. Recently, stent fractures have been recognized as a complication that may result in thrombosis, perforation, restenosis, and migration of the stent resulting in morbidity and mortality. Stent fractures were originally seen in the superficial femoral arteries but have since then been reported in almost all vascular sites including the coronary, renal, carotid, iliac, and femoropopliteal arteries. Fractures are the result of the complex interplay between stent manufacturing, the stented segment, pulsatile and nonpulsatile biomechanical forces, and plaque morphology at a particular vascular site. The presentation of a patient with a fracture is highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic in nature, detected on routine screening without any sequelae, to sudden cardiac death related to a thrombosed coronary artery. Despite being recognized as an important complication, consensus on routine surveillance and diagnostic methods to detect fractures continues to be lacking. Fortunately, most cases are relatively benign and can be managed conservatively if detected. In the setting of recurrent symptoms, further intervention is usually sought. In review of the literature most cases are managed with placement of a stent over the fractured area, the stent‐in‐stent technique, but several other alternatives may be available. As the knowledge of the variables that make stents prone to fracture are identified, better technologies and techniques can be employed to minimize the risk of this complication. This article reviews the available literature on stent fractures and complications using data found on PubMed, MEDLINE, the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database, and the Cochrane databases. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:411–419)     

Meta-analysis of incidence, clinical characteristics and implications of stent fracture

A meta-analysis of published studies was conducted to evaluate the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcomes of stent fractures. Eight studies with 108 stent fractures in 5,321 patients were analyzed using the Bayesian method. Study end points included in-stent restenosis (ISR) and target lesion revascularization (TLR). The mean incidence of stent fracture per patient was 4.0% (95% confidence interval 0.4% to 16.3%). All cases, except 1, were reported with sirolimus-eluting stents. The incidence of stent fracture was 30.4% in the left anterior descending coronary artery, 10.9% in the left circumflex coronary artery, 56.4% in the right coronary artery, < 0.01% in the left main coronary artery, and 1.7% in saphenous vein grafts. The probability of stent fracture was significantly higher in the right coronary artery than in the left anterior descending and left circumflex lesions (p < 0.01). Left main stents were less likely to fracture compared to those in all other vessels (p < 0.01). The probability of stent fracture was significantly increased in overlapping stents (7.5% vs 2.1%, p = 0.01) and long stents (46 vs 32.5 mm, p < 0.01). Lesions with stent fractures had higher rates of ISR (38% vs 8.2%, p < 0.01) and TLR (17% vs 5.6%, p < 0.01). Conversely, the probability of stent fractures was higher in patients with ISR (12.8% vs 2.1%, p < 0.01) and TLR (8.8% vs 2.7%, p < 0.01). In conclusion, although not always associated with clinical sequelae, the probability of ISR and TLR is increased with stent fracture. Conversely, the probability of stent fractures is increased in lesions with ISR or TLR, thus raising the need for surveillance and management guidelines for at-risk patients.     

Sirolimus‐eluting stent fracture detection by three‐dimensional optical coherence tomography

Stent fracture has emerged as a complication of drug‐eluting stent and is now recognized as contributing to in‐stent restenosis and possibly stent thrombosis. Although optical coherence tomography (OCT) can detect stent fractures in the absence of circumference struts, it is challenging to visualize stent fractures with only cross‐sectional OCT images. We describe two cases of restenosis with stent fracture detected by a novel three‐dimensional OCT image reconstruction technique. This technique allows identification of a single stent fracture even in the absence of angiographic signs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Traitement endovasculaire d’une ischémie aiguë survenue après fracture d’un stent poplité

Angioplasty stenting of popliteal artery lesions is a common procedure in endovascular surgery. Stent fractures in popliteal artery maybe asymptomatic or cause restenosis, false-aneurysm or acute thrombosis. We report one case of acute limb ischemia occurred after a popliteal stent fracture placed four months earlier. The patient underwent an angioplasty stenting, completed with thrombolysis and thrombectomy. This case-report aims to illustrate complications of stent fracture in popliteal artery and possibility's to manage it by endovascular approach.     

A completely fractured zotarolimus‐eluting stent in an aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass graft

Drug‐eluting stents (DES) have significantly improved the rate of target vessel revascularization in comparison with bare metal stents. DES fracture was not reported in multicenter randomized clinical trials, but several case reports of DES fracture have been published, mostly with sirolimus‐eluting stents. DES fracture is associated with stent restenosis and thrombosis. We report a zotarolimus‐eluting stent fracture in an aortocoronary saphenous vein graft (SVG) bypass. The patient presented with chest pain and a non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction. He underwent cardiac catheterization that showed a complete fracture of a zotarolimus‐eluting stent in the ostium of a sequential SVG to the diagonal and obtuse coronary arteries. His management included coronary angioplasty and retrieval of the proximal fractured segment. We discuss the potential causes for this stent fracture and suggest caution when using a DES in an ostial location of a SVG bypass, especially in a highly mobile vessel. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Very late stent fracture associated with a sirolimus-eluting stent

Late stent thrombosis (>1 year after implantation) is a recognised complication involving drug-eluting stents. Stent fracture is increasingly being reported as a complication of drug-eluting stent, and in particular sirolimus-eluting stent use. We report the case of very late sirolimus-eluting stent fracture resulting in an acute coronary syndrome. This case report highlights the need for greater awareness and post-marketing surveillance to detect a potential mechanism for late stent thrombosis in the drug-eluting stent era.     

Subclavian transectional stent fracture and migration to the aortic carrefour: A case description of retrieval by snare system

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with or without stent has become the treatment of choice for stenotic lesion in subclavian arteries. However, there is a growing concern following many reports of stent fractures, a serious complication of endovascular therapy. We report for the first time a case of delayed left subclavian stent fracture with transection of the protruding ostial part and migration into the aortic carrefour that was retrieved by a snare device. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Prevalence and clinical impact of stent fractures after femoropopliteal stenting

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and the clinical impact of stent fractures after femoropopliteal stenting. BACKGROUND: The development of femoral stent fractures has recently been described; however, there are no data about the frequency and the clinical relevance. METHODS: A systematic X-ray screening for stent fractures was performed in 93 patients. In total, 121 legs treated by implantation of self-expanding nitinol stents were investigated after a mean follow-up time of 10.7 months. The mean length of the stented segment was 15.7 cm. RESULTS: Overall, stent fractures were detected in 45 of 121 treated legs (37.2%). In a stent-based analysis, 64 of 261 stents (24.5%) showed fractures, which were classified as minor (single strut fracture) in 31 cases (48.4%), moderate (fracture of >1 strut) in 17 cases (26.6%), and severe (complete separation of stent segments) in 16 cases (25.0%). Fracture rates were 13.2% for stented length < or =8 cm, 42.4% for stented length >8 to 16 cm, and 52.0% for stented length >16 cm. In 21 cases (32.8%) there was a restenosis of >50% diameter reduction at the site of stent fracture. In 22 cases (34.4%) with stent fracture there was a total stent reocclusion. According to Kaplan-Meier estimates, the primary patency rate at 12 months was significantly lower for patients with stent fractures (41.1% vs. 84.3%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a considerable risk of stent fractures after long segment femoral artery stenting, which is associated with a higher in-stent restenosis and reocclusion rate.