'Bail out' stenting: case closed.

Abstract

Since the first description of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), the number of patients who have undergone this procedure has rapidly increased. Two problems have plagued PTCA: acute vessel closure and restenosis. Acute vessel closure following PTCA increases the incidence of in-hospital death, myocardial infarction and coronary bypass grafting. The advent of intracoronary stenting for acute closure has had a profound impact on these complications. Complications following intracoronary stenting have declined with modification of anticoagulation post-stenting and an improved understanding of stent mechanics. Further refinement of these devices and continued improvement in our understanding of them should lead to further reduction of post-stent complications and improved patient outcomes.