title: Drug-eluting stents: some first-generation problems.
abstract: The recent fervor surrounding the introduction of drug-eluting stents into the practice of cardiology has proven to be problematic. The experience with the Cypher Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent (Cordis Corp., Miami Lakes, FL) at Arkansas Heart Hospital progressed from anxious anticipation to complete removal of the stent from inventory in a 6-month period. Several cases involving edge dissection and subacute thrombosis were the catalyst for the decision to cease use of the device. While new products may entice, each new modality must be approached with measured enthusiasm. Drug-eluting stents are first-generation devices that may have unexposed flaws when used as first-line treatment in routine practice. The first-generation Cypher stent, as with many new devices, offers treatment-not a cure-for coronary atherosclerosis and enhances the desire for an evolved product.
authors.affiliation: Arkansas Heart Hospital, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 7 Shackleford West Boulevard, Little Rock, AR 72211-3714, USA. bruce.murphy@arheart.com
authors.forename: Bruce E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology