Angiographic restenosis after successful Wallstent stent implantation: an analysis of risk predictors

Follow-up angiographic study was performed in 86 patients after initially successful Wallstent stent (Medinvent, Lausanne, Switzerland) implantation between April 1986 and October 1990. The stent angiographic restenosis rate was 16% at a mean of 8 months after stenting despite the inclusion of a substantial number of patients at high risk of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Of a total 15 variables analyzed, only suboptimal stent placement was found to be a significant predictor of stent restenosis. Age; gender; baseline New York Heart Association functional class; previous PTCA; indication for stenting; left ventricular ejection fraction; preangioplasty and immediate postangioplasty diameter stenosis severity; stented vessel site, lesional morphology; number, diameter, and length of stents implanted; and the interval between stenting and follow-up angiographic restudy were not significant risk factors of stent restenosis. Our study suggests that intracoronary stent implantation with the Wallstent may be a useful and promising adjunctive option after PTCA, particularly in patients at high risk of restenosis after PTCA. However, because of the significantly enhanced risk of restenosis after suboptimal stent implantation, we strongly recommend the selection and placement of Wallstent stents that adequately cover the entire length of the dilated coronary segment.