Long genuine coronary artery lesions treated with stiff tubular or flexible coiled stents. A randomized angiographic follow-up study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate effects of stent flexibility on 6 months' clinical and angiographic outcome in long stented lesions.

Design: A total of 44 genuine coronary artery lesions (lesion length >20 mm and < or =30 mm) were randomized to implantation with a 30 mm long flexible coiled stainless steel stent (Freedom Force, Global Therapeutics) (n = 23) or a 30 mm long stiff tubular stainless steel stent (Crown, Johnson & Johnson) (n = 21).

Results: Target vessel revascularization was performed in 10 patients (45%) in the Freedom Force stent group, and in 7 patients (33%) in the Crown stent group (ns). No significant differences concerning minimum lumen diameter (MLD), early gain, late loss or binary restenosis rate were seen. In the Freedom Force stent group all restenoses were located within the stent. In the Crown stent group three (27%) of the restenoses were located at the edge of the stent (ns).

Conclusion: In a limited number of patients no significant differences could be detected in clinical or angiographic parameters between patients treated with long tubular or long coiled stents.