The effect of paclitaxel-eluting stents on restenosis

Objective: In our study we aimed to investigate the effects of paclitaxel-eluting stent on restenosis. Methods: Sixteen porcine were randomly assigned to two groups (n=8 per group): control group animals received conventional stent imp- lantation and study group animals -paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation. Both groups were treated with 300 mg acetylsalicylic acid and 75 mg clopidogrel daily. The degree of neointimal proliferation and effect of drug-eluting stent on restenosis were evaluated 6 weeks af- ter by angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Results: Angiographic in-stent restenosis was lower in paclitaxel-eluting stent group (12.50 ± 7.07% versus 41.25 ± 28.50%, p=0.001). The IVUS data demonstrated that paclitaxel group animals had larger minimal lumen area (8.76 ± 1.09 mm2 versus 6.23 ± 3.10 mm2, p=0.028), smaller mean neointimal proliferation area (1.03 ± 0.75 mm2 versus 3.55 ± 2.86 mm2, p=0.01) and mean percent stenosis (10.71 ± 8.10% ver- sus 36.85 ± 30.93%, p=0.01). Conclusion: This study suggests that drug-eluting stents may also have a preventive effect for the in-stent restenosis.