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J Fajadet

Publications and source records attributed to J Fajadet.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Percutaneous implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis.

Recently, percutaneous aortic valve implantation has become an alternative technique to surgical valve replacement in patient at high risk for surgery. Our animal experimentation evaluated the technical feasibility of aortic valve replacement using a bovine pericardium valve sutured on a self-expandable stent in a sheep model. Precise implantation with satisfactory attachment on the adjacent tissues and absence of migration was obtain in 8 out of 14 animals. This study confirmed the feasibility of the endovascular implantation of a pericardium valve sutured on a self-expandable stent in a sheep model.

Animals↗

[Influence of sex on the prognosis of high risk acute coronary syndromes treated by early angioplasty].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of sex on the prognosis of high risk acute coronary syndromes treated early with angioplasty. Over a period of two years, 694 consecutive patients (151 female, 543 male) underwent revascularisation within the first 24 hours of an acute coronary syndrome without permanent ST elevation (ST depression (52.5%) or relapse of angina despite medical treatment (47.5%). The females were older than the males (67.9 vs 62.3 years; p < 0.0001), smoked less (7.3 vs. 32.8%; p < 0.001) and had a higher prevalence of hypertension (53 vs. 42.1%; p = 0.017). The angiographic characteristics were equivalent in both sexes, except for a lower frequency of thrombus in the females (6.9 vs. 15.2%; p < 0.0001). All lesions were treated with endoprosthesis implantation. The angiographic success rate was comparable (94 vs. 93.7%) as was the rate of major cardiac events while in hospital (3.8 versus 4%). With an average survival of 2 years, the incidence of major cardiac events remained identical in both sexes (15.4 vs 15.7%: p = 0.43): cardiac mortality (3.2 vs 2%; p = 0.18), myocardial infarction (7.3 vs 6.7%; p = 0.37), further revascularisation (8.3 vs 7.2%; p = 0.47). The survival without major cardiac event was comparable at 1 year (87 +/- 0.1 vs 88 +/- 0.3%) and at 2 years (78 +/- 0.2 vs 83 +/- 0.3%; p = 0.58). In conclusion, the progression both in hospital and at two years with a strategy of early revascularisation for high risk acute coronary syndromes was comparable in males and females.

Aged↗

Long-term (> or =8 years) outcome after Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation.

The purpose of this single-center study was to evaluate the long-term (> or =8 years) outcome of Palmaz-Schatz intracoronary stenting and to identify independent predictors of outcome. Although short-term results of Palmaz-Schatz intracoronary stenting have been promising, with a reduction in both angiographic restenosis and clinical cardiac events up to 3 years, longer-term follow-up has not been established. We analyzed clinical outcome in 426 consecutive patients at least 8 years after coronary stenting. Demographic, clinical, and procedural predictors of restenosis, survival, and event-free survival, defined as freedom from death, myocardial infarction (MI), and coronary revascularization (target stented site, target vessel, and any revascularization) were analyzed. Before discharge, 28 patients (6.6%) sustained at least 1 major cardiovascular event: 3 deaths (0.7%), 18 MIs (4.2%), and 17 repeat revascularizations. Surviving patients were followed for 8.9 years (interquartile range 8.4 to 9.4). After discharge, 59 patients (13.9%) died, 47 (11.1%) sustained an MI, and 188 (44.4%) underwent coronary revascularization. The 8-year event-free survival (freedom from death, freedom from death/MI/target-stented site revascularization, and freedom from death/MI/any coronary revascularization) was (mean +/- SE) 0.86 +/- 0.01, 0.62 +/- 0.03, and 0.47 +/- 0.02, respectively. Unstable angina, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and saphenous vein graft stenting were found to be independent predictors of death during follow-up. Hypertension, unstable angina, multivessel disease, and multiple stent implantation were found to be independent predictors of the composite of death/MI/any coronary revascularization during follow-up. This study provided a useful assessment of very long-term outcome in survival, event-free survival, and predictors of major cardiac events 8 to 10 years after Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation.

Coronary Angiography↗

Unprotected left main coronary artery stenting: correlates of midterm survival and impact of patient selection.

BACKGROUND: The study served to present the in-hospital and six-month clinical outcome and also the long-term survival data of a consecutive series of patients undergoing stenting for unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. METHODS: Revascularization with coronary bypass surgery has been generally recommended for treatment of left main coronary stenosis. Improvements in angioplasty and coronary stent techniques and equipment may result in the wider applicability of a percutaneous approach. A total of 92 consecutive patients underwent unprotected LMCA stenting between March 1994 and December 1998. For the initial 39 patients (group I) angioplasty was performed only when surgical revascularization was contraindicated. The remaining 53 patients (group II) also included patients in whom surgery was feasible. Patients were followed for 7.3 +/- 5.8 months (median 239 days; range 49 to 1,477 days). RESULTS: Compared to group I, group II patients had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (60 +/- 12% vs. 51 +/- 16%, p < 0.01), less severe LMCA stenosis (68 +/- 12% vs. 80 +/- 10%, p < 0.001), lower surgical risk score (13 +/- 7 vs. 20 +/- 7, p < 0.001), and had angioplasty more often performed via the radial approach (88% vs. 23%, p < 0.001) with smaller guiding catheters (6F: 49% vs. 15%; 8F: 2% vs. 77%, p < 0.001). The procedural success rate was 100%. In-hospital mortality was 4% (4 deaths, 3 cardiac). During follow-up there were six deaths, 13 patients required repeat percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (4 LMCA), and two required coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Estimated survival (+/- SEE) was 89 +/- 6.3% at 500 days and 85 +/- 12% at 1,000 days post-stenting. Overall mortality was 3.8% in group II and 20.5% in group I (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary stenting can be performed safely in high-risk individuals with acceptable intermediate-term outcome. It may be feasible to broaden the application of this technique in selected patients needing revascularization for left main coronary disease.

Aged↗

Continued benefit of coronary stenting versus balloon angioplasty: five-year clinical follow-up of Benestent-I trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to establish whether the early favorable results in the Benestent-I randomized trial comparing elective Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation with balloon angioplasty in 516 patients with stable angina pectoris are maintained at 5 years. BACKGROUND: The size of the required sample was based on a 40% reduction in clinical events in the stent group. Seven months and one-year follow-up in this trial showed a decreased incidence of restenosis and clinical events in patients randomized to stent implantation. METHODS: Data at five years were collected by outpatient visit, via telephone and via the referring cardiologist. Three patients in the stent group and one in the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) group were lost to follow-up at five years. Major clinical events, anginal status and use of cardiac medication were recorded according to the intention to treat principle. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in anginal status and use of cardiac medication between the two groups. In the PTCA group, 27.3% of patients underwent target lesion revascularization (TLR) versus 17.2% of patients in the stent group (p = 0.008). No significant differences in mortality (5.9% vs. 3.1%), cerebrovascular accident (0.8% vs. 1.2%), myocardial infarction (9.4% vs. 6.3%) or coronary bypass surgery (11.7% vs. 9.8%) were found between the stent and PTCA groups, respectively. At five years, the event-free survival rate (59.8% vs. 65.6%; p = 0.20) between the stent and PTCA groups no longer achieved statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The original 10% absolute difference in TLR in favor of the stent group has remained unchanged at five years, emphasizing the long-term stability of the stented target site.

Angina Pectoris↗

Effect of aspirin and ticlopidine on plasma tissue factor levels in stable and unstable angina pectoris.

Patients with unstable angina have an increased activation of the coagulation system. Aspirin and ticlopidine given in combination may potentiate each other by the combination of different action mechanisms and may reduce the risk of coronary occlusion and clinical instability. Plasma tissue factor (TF) levels collected into the stenotic coronary artery may be an index of TF expression within the vasculature. In 160 patients undergoing angioplasty for a 81+/-5% coronary lesion, we measured TF in blood samples collected from a vein and from the coronary ostium. Immediately after and 10 minutes after the dilation procedures the samples were withdrawn also beyond the lesion. Heparin 150 U/kg was given as an anticoagulant. All patients were pretreated with 250 mg/day of aspirin. One hundred twenty patients were randomly assigned to receive 24, 48, or 72 hours of ticlopidine treatment (250 mg/twice daily). TF levels did not increase during angioplasty but there was a significantly higher TF expression in unstable than in stable patients, irrespective of the invasiveness of debulking procedures. When ticlopidine was given for 72 hours, TF levels were similar to normal laboratory values both in stable and unstable patients. This combined antiplatelet pretreatment may be of benefit in unstable angina patients, with a favorable cost/benefit ratio.

Angina Pectoris↗

Nine-year follow-up of balloon-expandable Palmaz-Schatz stent in patients with single-vessel disease.

The long-term effects of intracoronary stents in human are unknown. This is the first 9-year follow-up report of single-vessel-disease patients treated with the Palmaz-Schatz stent. Between March and December 1989, out of the 107 patients undergoing Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation, 71 (66%) had single-vessel disease. The average age of these patients was 58+/-9 years and 79% were men. At 9 years, follow-up was obtained for 90.1% and major adverse clinical events consisted of 4 deaths giving a global survival rate of 95.8%, 7 myocardial infarction, 3 bypass surgeries, and 16 repeat percutaneous revascularization procedures. The 9-year event-free survival rate was 60%, and 81.7% of the patients were free from death, myocardial infarction, and bypass surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that the only predictive factor of major adverse clinical events was the presence of diabetes mellitus (P<0.004). Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 50:170-174, 2000.

Adult↗

In-stent restenosis: long-term outcome and predictors of subsequent target lesion revascularization after repeat balloon angioplasty.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of patients undergoing successful balloon angioplasty for in-stent restenosis, and to determine correlates of the need for subsequent target lesion revascularization (TLR). BACKGROUND: In-stent restenosis can be safely treated by repeat percutaneous intervention. Reported subsequent TLR rates have varied from 20% to 80% and seem related to the type of restenotic lesion. METHODS: The study population comprised 234 patients with follow-up data who were successfully treated with repeat balloon angioplasty for in-stent restenosis in 257 lesions between May 1995 and January 1998 at our institution. RESULTS: Clinical follow-up was available at 459 (286 to 693) days after the repeat procedure. Event-free survival was 78.5% and 74.6% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Recurrent events occurred in 58 patients (24.8%), including 6 deaths (2.6%), 4 myocardial infarction (1.7%) and repeat target vessel revascularization in 50 patients (21.4%). Independent predictors of repeat TLR were time to in-stent restenosis <90 days (Hazard ratio 4.67, p < 0.001), minimal luminal diameter after repeat procedure (Hazard ratio 0.38, p = 0.034) and the angiographic pattern of in-stent restenosis (Hazard ratio 1.65, p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Balloon angioplasty is an effective means of treating in-stent restenosis. The long-term results are acceptable particularly for focal restenotic lesions. Further restenosis is more common in patients with early initial recurrence, more proliferative lesions and a poorer angiographic result from repeat angioplasty.

Aged↗

Long-term clinical outcome after endoluminal reconstruction of diffusely degenerated saphenous vein grafts with less-shortening wallstents.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the immediate and long-term clinical results of patients undergoing endoluminal reconstruction in diffusely degenerated saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) with elective implantation of one or more less-shortening Wallstents. BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment strategy for patients with diffusely degenerated SVGs is controversial. Endoluminal reconstruction by stent implantation is one proposed strategy; however, there are few data regarding long-term clinical outcome. METHODS: Between May 1995 and September 1998, 6,534 consecutive patients underwent angioplasty in our institution, including 440 who were treated for SVG lesions. Of these, 126 (115 men, 11 women, median age 69.5 years, range: 33-86 years) with old SVGs (mean age: 13+/-5 years) diffusely degenerated stenosed or occluded (mean lesion length: 27+/-12 mm) were treated electively with implantation of one or multiple (total 197) less-shortening Wallstents. RESULTS: Before discharge, 13 patients (10.3%) sustained at least one major cardiovascular event, including 4 deaths (3.2%), 11 myocardial infarctions (MI) (8.7%), and 3 repeat revascularizations (target vessel = 1, nontarget vessel = 2, 2.4%). Surviving patients were followed for 22+/-11 months: 13 patients (11.1%) died, 11 (9.4%) sustained an MI, 37 underwent angioplasty (31.6%), and 4 (3.4%) underwent bypass surgery. The estimated three-year event-free survival rates (freedom from death, and freedom from death/MI/target vessel revascularization) were (mean +/- SE) 81.1+/-7.8% and 43.2+/-18.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term clinical outcome of patients undergoing endoluminal reconstruction in diffusely degenerated SVG is relatively poor, mainly because of a high incidence of death or MI and the frequent need for repeat angioplasty. It is unlikely that percutaneous intervention alone will provide a satisfactory or definitive solution for these patients.

Adult↗

Vascular complications and clinical outcome after coronary angioplasty with platelet IIb/IIIa receptor blockade. Comparison of transradial vs transfemoral arterial access.

AIMS: Vascular complications associated with femoral artery access for interventional cardiological procedures may increase morbidity especially in patients receiving anticoagulants, aspirin, ticlopidine and platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors. The use of radial arterial access has the potential to reduce the incidence of access site bleeding complications. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes after the radial and femoral approaches in patients treated with the platelet IIb/IIIa inhibitor, abciximab. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and fifty consecutive patients treated by abciximab underwent angioplasty by the radial or femoral approach in 83 and 67 cases, respectively. Outcome variables were major cardiac events and major access site bleeding at 1-month follow-up. Freedom from major cardiac events at 1-month follow-up occurred in 78 (93.9%) and 63 (94.0%) patients in the radial and femoral groups, respectively (P=0.99). There were no major access site bleeding complications in the radial group, as opposed to five (7.4%) in the femoral group, P=0.04. Postprocedure length of stay, days (3.7+/-6.0 radial vs 3.7+/-2.6 femoral, P=0.96) as well as total hospital length of stay (5.0+/-4.3 radial vs 4.9+/-3.0 femoral, P=0.72) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Coronary angioplasty in patients treated by abciximab using the transradial approach is efficacious with fewer major access site complications than with the transfemoral approach.

Abciximab↗

Total occlusion trial with angioplasty by using laser guidewire. The TOTAL trial.

AIMS: A randomized trial was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of a laser guidewire, in the treatment of chronic coronary occlusions. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 18 European centres, 303 patients with a chronic coronary occlusion were randomized to treatment with either the laser guidewire (n=144) or conventional guidewires (mechanical guidewire, n=159). The primary end-point of the study was treatment success, defined as reaching the true lumen distal to the occlusion by the allocated wire within 30 min of fluoroscopic time: laser guidewire vs mechanical guidewire; 52.8% (n=76) vs 47.2% (n=75), P=0.33. Serious adverse events following the initial guidewire attempt were 0% (laser guidewire) and 0.6% (mechanical guidewire), respectively. Angioplasty (performed following successful guidewire crossing) was successful in 179 patients (91%, laser guidewire n=79, mechanical guidewire n=100), followed by stent implantation in 149 (79%). At the 6-month angiographic follow-up, the difference in binary restenosis rate (laser guidewire vs mechanical guidewire; 45.5% vs 38.3 %, P=0.72) or reocclusion rate (25.8% vs 16.1%, P=0.15) did not reach statistical significance. At 1, 6 and 12 months, angina and event-free survival were 69%, 35% and 24% (laser guidewire) vs 74%, 40% and 31% (mechanical guidewire). CONCLUSION: Although laser guidewire technology was safe, the increase in crossing success did not reach statistical significance.

Aged↗

[Percutaneous coronary angioplasty via the radial artery. Feasibility and safety].

The authors report the results of percutaneous coronary angioplasty using the radial approach with respect to feasibility and safety. Between February 1994 and December 1998, out of a total of 9,070 coronary angioplasties performed in our Institute, the radial arterial approach was chosen in 5,354 cases (59%). During this period, the proportion of procedures performed via the radial artery progressively increased to 78% of cases in 1998. Cannulation of the radial artery was successful in 5,244 cases (98%). Rotatory atherectomy was used in 96 cases (2%), the excimer laser in 38 cases (1%) and stenting was performed in 3,350 cases (64%). Angiographic success was obtained in 5,224 patients (99%). Serious cardiac complications occurred in 82 patients (1.5%), including 17 deaths (0.3%), 22 Q wave myocardial infarctions (0.4%), 28 non-Q wave infarcts (0.5%), 5 coronary bypass procedures (0.1%) and 10 sub-acute occlusions (0.2%). The vascular complications included 1 death due to an ischaemic cerebrovascular accident, 25 haematomas at the puncture site (0.5%) and 3 surgical arterial repairs. The radial pulse disappeared after the procedure in 4% of cases, all asymptomatic. Angioplasty by the radial artery in the hands of trained operators is feasible and associated with a relatively low rate of cardiac and vascular complications.

Aged↗

[Percutaneous angioplasty of unprotected left main coronary disease with implantation of systematic stenting. Immediate and mid-term results].

The authors report the immediate and medium term results of percutaneous angioplasty of unprotected left main coronary disease with systematic stenting. Between March 1994 and December 1998, out of 6,006 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty, 92 had significant unprotected left main stem disease. The majority of patients was male (74 men, 80%) with an average age of 74.3 +/- 8.1 years. Between March 1994 and October 1996, only patients with a surgical contraindication were treated by angioplasty (n = 39). After October 1996, the indications were extended to patients who did not have surgical contraindications (n = 53). During the hospital phase, 4 patients (4%) died (ventricular arrhythmia: 1, cardiogenic shock: 2, gastro-intestinal haemorrhage: 1). No non-fatal infarction with or without Q waves were observed, and no emergency coronary bypass surgical procedures were required. The angiographic success rate was 100%. During follow-up (7.3 +/- 5.8 months), 6 other patients died, 13 required a repeat coronary angioplasty, 4 for restenosis of the left main coronary artery, and 2 underwent coronary bypass surgery. The actuarial survival rate was 89 +/- 5% at 1 year and 85 +/- 17% at 3 years. Percutaneous angioplasty for unprotected left main coronary disease with systematic stenting was performed with acceptable hospital and medium term results.

Aged↗

Alpha-adrenergic blockade improves recovery of myocardial perfusion and function after coronary stenting in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: AMI reperfusion by thrombolysis does not improve TIMI flow and LV function. The role of infarct-related artery (IRA) stenosis and superimposed changes in coronary vasomotor tone in maintaining LV dysfunction must be elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty patients underwent diagnostic angiography 24 hours after thrombolysis. Seventy-two hours after thrombolysis, the culprit lesion was dilated with coronary stenting. During angioplasty, LV function was monitored by transesophageal echocardiography. Percent regional systolic thickening was quantitatively assessed before PTCA, soon after stenting, 15 minutes after stenting, and after phentolamine 12 microg/kg IC (n=10), the alpha1-blocker urapidil 600 microg/kg IV (n=10), or saline (n=10). Ten patients pretreated with beta-blockers received urapidil 10 mg IC. Coronary stenting significantly improved thickening in IRA-dependent and in non-IRA-dependent myocardium (from 27+/-15% to 38+/-16% and from 40+/-15% to 45+/-15%, respectively). Simultaneously, TIMI frame count decreased from 39+/-11 and 40+/-11 in the IRA and non-IRA, respectively, to 23+/-10 and 25+/-7 (P<0.05). Fifteen minutes after stenting, thickening worsened in both IRA- and non-IRA-dependent myocardium (to 19+/-14% and 28+/-14%, P<0.05), and TIMI frame count returned, in both the IRA and non-IRA, to the values obtained before stenting. Phentolamine and urapidil increased thickening to 36+/-17% and 41+/-14% in IRA and to 48+/-11% and 49+/-17% in non-IRA myocardium respectively, and TIMI frame count decreased to 16+/-6 and to 17+/-5, respectively. Changes were attenuated with beta-blocker pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding that alpha-adrenergic blockade attenuates vasoconstriction and postischemic LV dysfunction supports the hypothesis of an important role of neural mechanisms in this phenomenon.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Coronary stenting in diabetics: immediate and mid-term clinical outcome.

Balloon angioplasty in diabetics is associated with acceptable immediate results but with high rates of restenosis, target vessel revascularization, and late mortality. The impact of coronary stenting on the outcome of these patients remains controversial. We reported the immediate and mid-term clinical outcome of 272 consecutive diabetic patients, representing 12.5% of the population undergoing coronary stenting between May 1995 and April 1997. Diabetes mellitus was insulin-requiring in 58 patients and non-insulin-requiring in 214. Stenting performed on large vessels (mean diameter >/=3 mm) was successful in 99.2% of nondiabetic patients and in all cases in diabetics. During in-hospital stay, the complications rate, including mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, emergency coronary bypass surgery, and stent subacute thrombosis, was similar in nondiabetic patients, insulin-requiring, and non-insulin-requiring diabetics (2.55%, 0%, and 2.0%, respectively). No complication occurred in the insulin-requiring group. One patient (0.5%) died from myocardial infarction and another (0.5%) presented a nonfatal myocardial infarction (subacute stent thrombosis) in the non-insulin-requiring group. The clinical follow-up (mean length 13 +/- 8 months) was obtained in 93% and 97% of the insulin-requiring and non-insulin-requiring diabetics, respectively. Overall mortality was significantly higher in insulin-requiring patients (9.3% vs. 2.4%). Nonfatal myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization rates were similar in the two groups (0% vs. 0.5% and 8.2% vs. 10.5%). These results suggest that coronary stenting in diabetics could be performed with acceptable immediate and mid-term results. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 47:279-284, 1999.

Aged↗

Laser angioplasty of restenosed coronary stents: results of a multicenter surveillance trial. The Laser Angioplasty of Restenosed Stents (LARS) Investigators.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated safety and efficacy of excimer laser angioplasty for treatment of restenosed or occluded coronary stents. BACKGROUND: Balloon angioplasty of in-stent restenosis is limited by a high recurrence rate. Debulking by laser angioplasty is a novel concept to treat in-stent restenosis. METHODS: A total of 440 patients with restenoses or occlusions in 527 stents were enrolled for treatment with concentric or eccentric laser catheters and adjunctive balloon angioplasty. RESULTS: Laser angioplasty success (< or =50% diameter stenosis after laser treatment or successful passage with a 2.0-mm or 1.7-mm eccentric laser catheter) was achieved in 92% of patients. Adjunctive balloon angioplasty was performed in 99%. Procedural success (laser angioplasty success followed by < or =30% stenosis with or without balloon angioplasty) was 91%. There was neither a significant difference in success with respect to lesion length, nor were there differences between small and large vessels or native vessels and vein grafts. Success was higher and residual stenosis lower using large or eccentric catheters. Serious adverse events included death (1.6%, not directly laser catheter related), Q-wave myocardial infarction (0.5%), non-Q-wave infarction (2.7%), cardiac tamponade (0.5%) and stent damage (0.5%). Perforations after laser treatment occurred in 0.9% of patients and after balloon angioplasty in 0.2%. Dissections were visible in 4.8% of patients after laser treatment and in 9.3% after balloon angioplasty. Reinterventions during hospitalization were necessary in 0.9% of patients; bypass surgery was performed in 0.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Excimer laser angioplasty with adjunctive balloon angioplasty is a safe and efficient technology to treat in-stent restenoses. These data justify a randomized comparison with balloon angioplasty.

Adult↗

[Reconstruction of saphenous vein grafts using Wallstent endoprostheses. Immediate and mid-term results].

Balloon angioplasty of degenerated saphenous vein grafts is associated with a high incidence of restenosis and of cardiac events in the medium and long term. Implantation of stents has reduced the incidence of these complications in patients with focal lesions. The authors report the short and medium term clinical results of saphenous vein grafts reconstruction in cases of diffuse graft disease with Wallstent endoprostheses in a series of 73 patients. All were pretreated with aspirin, ticlopidine and enoxaparine started 72 hours before the procedure and 15 also received c7E3Fab during angioplasty. One hundred and twenty stents were implanted in 90 saphenous vein grafts. There were 5 deaths (6.9%), 2 of which were cardiac, during the hospital period. One patient (1.4%) underwent secondary coronary bypass surgery. Eight patients (11%) suffered distal embolisation resulting in non-Q wave infarction. Clinical follow-up for an average of 13 months (3-26 months) was obtained in 91% of patients. Five (8.1%) died, three of cardiac causes, and one patient (1.7%) suffered a non-lethal myocardial infarction. A repeat revascularisation procedure of the culprit lesion was performed in 9 patients (15.8%). Angioplasty of other lesions was carried out in 7 patients (12.3%). Reconstruction of venous bypass grafts with diffuse lesions by implantation of Wallstent endoprostheses associated with preventive antiaggregant and anticoagulant therapy is associated with a risk of immediate complications. The medium-term results indicate high morbidity and cardiac mortality rates.

Aged↗