Thrombosis risk in early drug eluting stents

The risk of late stent thrombosis (ST) in the first generation of drug-eluting stents continues for up to seven years after implantation, and certain types of patients, including smokers and those who are younger, are at higher risk, according to results of the DESERT registry. There is an existing need to understand the factors predicting ST and define those patients are that are at highest risk, hence DESERT, in which 922 patients from the US, Canada and Switzerland have been enrolled in this study of definite, late or very late ST in patients with drug-eluting stents (DES). Results of the trial presented at the 23rd annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics scientific symposium show the majority of late ST occurred after one year (~75%) and continued for up to 7.3 years. The clinical presentation of late ST was mainly myocardial infarction (66.9% STEMI; 22% NSTEMI). According to lead investigator, Ron Waksman, Associate Director, Division of Cardiology at Washington Hospital Center, patients who had first generation drug-eluting stents continue to be at risk for late stent thrombosis up to seven years.