Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the sirolimus-eluting stent in the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) in consecutive unselected patients undergoing coronary intervention in a real-world scenario.
Background: Restenosis after bare metal stenting is characterized by a high rate of re-restenosis once treated with repeated percutaneous coronary intervention.
Methods: The study was designed as a prospective two-center registry. We enrolled 244 patients with ISR in a native coronary artery or saphenous vein graft who had clinical indication for repeat intervention.
Results: Sirolimus stent implantation was successful in all lesions. At 9-month follow-up, death occurred in 4 (1.6%) patients, myocardial infarction in 4 (1.6%), and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) in 12 (4.9%), for a cumulative event-free survival of 227 (93%). Although 9-month follow-up angiography was planned in all patients, only 150 (62%) patients completed it, and restenosis was present in 13 (8.7%) patients. Diabetes and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome at presentation were the only independent predictors of freedom from ischemia-driven TLR and major adverse cardiac events.
Conclusions: Sirolimus stent implantation for the treatment of ISR is effective and safe. In diabetic patients and in those with acute coronary syndrome, the higher rate of recurrence requires further evaluation.