title: Spatial distribution of neo-intimal hyperplasia 6 months after zotarolimus-eluting stent implantation, analysed by optical coherence tomography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Optical coherence tomography is a high-resolution imaging technology that allows in vivo assessment of neointimal hyperplasia and strut coverage after coronary stenting.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Assessment of spatial distribution of healing, 6 months after zotarolimus-eluting stent implantation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two zotarolimus-eluting stents were monitored by optical coherence tomography 6 months after implantation. Mean neointimal strut coverage thickness and percentage of neointimal hyperplasia were measured every millimetre. Non-covered strut ratios were assessed on each slice. In addition, the spatial distribution of neointimal hyperplasia and strut coverage were analysed longitudinally on five stent segments and axially on each slice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no clinical events at 6 months under dual antiplatelet therapy. The optical coherence tomography analysis showed a mean neointimal hyperplasia thickness of 333±147μm and neointimal hyperplasia obstruction of 36.1±12.3%. The percentage of covered struts at 6 months was very high (98.9%). Only 6/745 slices analysed (0.8%) had non-covered strut ratios exceeding 30%. There was no significant heterogeneity in either longitudinal or axial neointimal hyperplasia distribution. No thrombi were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This optical coherence tomography study found relatively constant neointimal hyperplasia thickness, regardless of the zotarolimus-eluting stent length or diameter. This spatially homogeneous neointimal hyperplasia was associated with near-total coverage of all struts, 6 months after implantation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France. gsouteyrand@chu-clermontferrand.fr
authors.forename: Geraud
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Souteyrand
authors.forename: Sebastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Levesque
authors.forename: Lemlih
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ouchchane
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sarry
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eschalier
authors.forename: Jean-René
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Lusson
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Motreff
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D054855:Drug-Eluting Stents; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D013997:Time Factors; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; C489443:zotarolimus; D020123:Sirolimus