Real-World Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Following Polymer-Free Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Implantations to Treat Coronary Artery Disease.

Objectives: The objective of this post hoc analysis was to analyze real-world dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimens following polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stent (PF-SES) implantations in an unselected patient population.

Methods: Patient-level data from two all-comers observational studies (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02629575 and NCT02905214) were pooled and analyzed in terms of their primary endpoint.

Results From the International Drug Coated Balloon Registry for the Treatment of Bifurcations. Can a Bifurcation Be Treated Without Stents?

Objectives: This observational study assessed the 9-month clinical outcomes in patients with coronary bifurcation lesions suitable for drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. It was the intention to use DCB's without additional stenting (DCB-only strategy) in selected patients for this chosen strategy. Bail-out main branch (MB) and/or side branch (SB) stenting, however, were permissible when flow limiting dissections or excessive recoil occurred.

Thin strut bare metal stents in patients with atrial fibrillation: Is there still a need for BMS?

Objectives: This observational study assessed the 9-month clinical outcomes in an « all comers » population with a focus on patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after thin strut bare metal stenting.

Background: Drug eluting stent (DES) implantation is the treatment of choice for coronary artery disease (CAD) leaving only marginal indications for the use of bare metal stents (BMS). However, selected treatment populations with DES contraindications such as patients who cannot sustain 6-12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) remain candidates for BMS implantations.