Stenting for restenotic lesions with the BARD XT stent

BACKGROUND: Conventional PTCA for the treatment of restenotic lesions is associated with a high rate of recurrence (30-50%). Primary stenting decreases the restenosis rate at long-term follow-up. METHODS: One-hundred consecutive patients with restenosis received a Bard XT stent. Follow-up angiography was performed after 6 months. Angiograms were compared by means of computed quantitative analysis. RESULTS: The mean pretreatment reference diameter was 2.88 +/- 0.51 mm. The mean minimal luminal diameter (MLD) increased from 1.09 +/- 0.57 mm to 2.70 +/- 0.44 mm. The percent diameter stenosis decreased from 66 +/- 13% to 15 +/- 10%. The procedural success rate was 99%. At 6 month follow-up repeat angiography was performed in 86 patients. The mean MLD was 1.74 +/- 0.67 mm with a mean diameter stenosis of 41 +/- 20%. Residual anginal complaints were reported in 29% of patients. In-stent restenosis (defined as diameter stenosis of more than 50%) occurred in 18% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Placement of the Bard XT stent in restenotic lesions is feasible, has an excellent short term outcome and yields a favorable result at 6 month follow-up angiography.