SERIAL ANGIOGRAPHIC FOLLOW-UP OVER TREE YEARS AFTER SINGLE PALMAZ-SCHATZ STENT IMPLANTATION

In 69 patients serial angiographic follow-up was obtained at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after single Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation, Minimal luminal diameter decreased from 3.03 +/- 0.4 mm immediately after sten ting to 2.46 +/- 0.6 mm at 6 months (n = 69; p < 0.01) and by addition al -0.17 +/- 0.2 mm (p < 0.01) between 6 and 12 months (n = 53) with n o further decrease thereafter, In 4 out of 10 patients with categorica lly defined restenosis this developed beyond the first 6 months, The d iameter of coronary segments located proximal to the stent did not cha nge during follow-up; in contrast, distal segments revealed persisting diameter increase following stent implantation, During follow-up 13 t arget lesion revascularizations had to be performed, 7 of which beyond 6 months after stent implantation. Thus, careful clinical examination s with regard to restenosis beyond 6 months after stent implantation a re recommendable.