The analysis has not yet specifically compared the rates of stent thrombosis in the DES and BMS groups. A major concern about DES safety has been that they might cause a higher incidence of stent thrombosis than BMS. Any clinically significant, in-stent thrombotic events would manifest as either death or myocardial infarction, she noted. During most of the study period, patients receiving DES were routinely treated with dual antiplatelet therapy—both aspirin and clopidogrel—for 3–6 months. Today, the recommended length of dual therapy is 1 year.
Dr. Mauri has received honoraria from Abbott Vascular, Boston Scientific, Cordis, and Metronic Vascular.