tion. Although PSS occurs at a low frequency, it has been reported as a risk factor for ST and TLR after first-generation DES implantation and a potential risk factor of adverse events after second-generation DES implantation. 15-17 We aimed to investigate the effect of SF and PSS on 5-year clinical outcomes after EES implantation.
Methods
Patient PopulationThis study was a retrospective single-center study. A total of 1,013 consecutive patients (1,716 lesions) undergoing EES (Xience V, Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) implantation between January and December 2010 were enrolled. The exclusion criteria were repeat EES implantation and the combined use of EES and other types of stent. Finally, we analyzed 636 patients (1,081 lesions) exclusively treated using EES and undergoing follow-up angiography within 1 year (Figure 1). Clinical outcomes were compared between the groups of lesions with and without F irst-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) have resulted in a substantial reduction in in-stent restenosis and the need for subsequent target lesion revascularization (TLR) compared with bare-metal stents. 1,2 Everolimus-eluting stents (EES) are a second-generation DES, designed to improve safety, efficacy, and device performance with a newer antiproliferative drug, a durable polymer, improved stent design, and thinner struts. Compared with bare-metal stents and first-generation DES, EES have reduced adverse events as reported in randomized control trials and meta-analyses. 3-7 Recently, stent fracture (SF) after DES implantation has become a concern because of its association with adverse events such as in-stent restenosis (ISR), stent thrombosis (ST), and subsequent TLR. 8-10 Previous studies have reported that SF after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation is associated with ISR and higher cardiac event rates. 11-13 This association is reported even in patients treated with second-generation DES. 14 Peri-stent contrast staining (PSS) is contrast staining outside stent struts after stent implanta- Background: Stent fracture (SF) and peri-stent contrast staining (PSS) after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation are reported to be risk factors of adverse events. However, the effect of these after everolimus-eluting stent (EES) implantation on long-term outcomes remains unclear.