Functional result following direct coronary artery stenting with drug eluting stents in chronic stable angina is similar to stenting after balloon predilatation.

Background: The safety and efficacy of direct coronary artery stenting without predilatation using drug eluting stents has not been firmly established. Concerns have been raised that this technique may be associated with increased risk of immediate and short term complications.

Methods: 68 consecutive patients with chronic stable angina and angiographically proven single vessel disease were randomised to undergo either direct coronary artery stenting or stenting after balloon predilation.