Experience with Endeavor stent implantations.

Unlabelled: Restenosis is the most common disadvantage of percutaneous coronary interventions. The incidence of restenosis can be lowered with the use of stents. After the use of stents, 'in-stent' restenosis can occur. To avoid it drug-eluting stents were developed, but the occurrence of stent thrombosis is higher than observed in case of bare-metal stents. Endeavor is a new zotarolimus-eluting stent developed to reduce the stent thrombosis.

Aims: In a prospective study we aimed to follow-up our patients regarding the incidence of in-stent restenosis, stent thrombosis, and clinical end points after Endeavor stent implantation.

Patients And Methods: Endeavor stents have been implanted in patients undergoing coronary angiography with the following indications: complex lesions susceptible to restenosis and after recanalization of chronic total occlusions.

Results: Endeavor stent implantations were successfully performed in 99 patients and has been successful in 98% of cases, two stents could not be implanted because of technical difficulties. Significant restenosis was observed in eight patients (8.1%). Subacute stent thrombosis (within 10 days) occurred in two patients (2.0%). Any late stent thrombosis was not observed.

Conclusion: Our registry affirmed the results of the Endeavor I trial in a population with more severe and longer coronary stenosis. We can conclude that the Endeavor stent is suitable for implantation in complex, longer coronary lesions. Our long-term follow-up data do not prove those opinions which prefer bare-metal stent implantation in all patients because of the late adverse events of the drug-eluting stents.