Comparison of Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes After Saphenous Vein Graft Angioplasty Using Coronary Versus ‘Biliary’ Tubular Slotted Stents

Abstract

Background Saphenous vein graft (SVG) angioplasty using 15-mm articulated, tubular slotted stents results in low (0% to 20%) residual diameter stenoses and infrequent (<5%) major complications. A “biliary” stent design with greater radial compressive strength, enhanced visibility, and more variable sizing (diameter and length) has been approved for noncoronary indications. A comparison of outcomes after coronary versus biliary stent placement in SVG stenoses has not been performed. The purpose of this study was to compare the angiographic and clinical results after SVG angioplasty using these two balloon-expandable, tubular slotted stent designs. Methods and Results During a 3-year period, 231 patients with 305 SVG lesions were treated using Palmaz-Schatz coronary (n=108) or biliary (n=123) stents. Cineangiograms were reviewed using qualitative morphological and quantitative angiographic methods. Time-dependent clinical outcome (freedom from death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or the need for repeat coro...