Elective stenting for type B and C lesions: immediate results and follow-up angiographic restenosis.

From January to December 1995, 73 out of 174 patients with coronary artery disease underwent elective stenting for type B and C lesions. The age ranged from 35 to 73 years (mean +/- SD : 52.1 +/- 12.6) and the majority (91.7%) were males. Of the 74 vessels treated, the target vessel was LAD in 49 (66.4%), LCx in 13 (17.6%), RCA in 8 (10.8%) and SVG in 4 (5.2%). Based upon the ACC/AHA task force classification, 58 (79.5%) patients had type B1, 9 (12.3%) B2 and 6 (8.2%) had type C lesions. A total of 89 stents were deployed to treat 76 lesions with a range of 1 to 3 stents per lesion. A single stent was required for 67 lesions, 2 stents for 8 and 3 stents for 2 lesions. The stents used were Wiktor (29), Palmaz-Schatz (26), Gianturco-Roubin (24), Microstent (6) and Freedom (4), depending upon the anatomical and morphological characteristics with the lesion. Using high pressure strategy, the stents were deployed successfully in all (100%) with a reduction in luminal diameter stenosis from 92 +/- 5.4 to -5 +/- 6 percent. There was no subacute stent thrombosis despite nonusability of oral anticoagulation in 95.9 percent patients. None had any major complication in the form of acute myocardial infarction, need for emergency bypass graft surgery or death. Minor complications were encountered in 9 (12.3%) patients. At a mean follow-up of 26 +/- 14 weeks, 74 percent of the patients were asymptomatic. Out of 31 patients who had completed 6 months after the procedure, repeat angiography was performed in 29 (93.5%) at a mean duration of 29 +/- 6 weeks. The angiographic restenosis was found in 6 (20.7%) patients. In conclusion, type B and C lesions can be treated successfully using elective stenting with excellent immediate results and clinical outcome. Angiographic restenosis, which develops in about one-fifth of patients, appears to be much lower than reported after balloon angioplasty for these complex lesions.