Benefit of intravascular ultrasound in Wiktor stent implantation

The goal of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and safety of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during Wiktor stent implantation. Until 1996, the success of stent implantation was assessed by angiographic criteria only, but in 1997, the procedure was expanded to include pre- and postprocedural IVUS imaging. Sixty-six patients were included, 28 treated in 1996 (group A) and 38 treated in 1997 (group B). Stent size was larger in group B than in group A (3.6+/-0.4 vs. 3.1+/-0.2, P < 0.001). Acute gain was greater in group B than in group A (2.58+/-0.61 vs. 2.11+/-0.56, P < 0.001). Restenosis rate was 31% in group A and 14% in group B. No major acute complications due to IVUS examination occurred. IVUS is helpful in choosing optimal stent size.