title: Direct coronary stenting in reducing radiation and radiocontrast consumption.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Coronary stenting is the primary means of coronary revascularization. There are two basic techniques of stent implantation: stenting with balloon predilatation of stenosis and stenting without predilatation (direct stenting). Limiting the time that a fluoroscope is activated and by appropriately managing the intensity of the applied radiation, the operator limits radiation in the environment, and this saves the exposure to the patient and all personnel in the room. Nephrotoxicity is one of the most important properties of radiocontrast. The smaller amount of radiocontrast used also provides multiple positive effects, primarily regarding the periprocedural risk for the patients with the reduced renal function. The goal of the study was to compare fluoroscopy time, the amount of radiocontrast, and expenses of material used in direct stenting and in stenting with predilatation.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective study, 70 patients with coronary disease were randomized to direct stenting, or stenting with predilatation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fluoroscopy time and radiocontrast use were significantly reduced in the directly stented patients in comparison to the patients stented with balloon-predilatation. The study showed a significant reduction of expenses when using a direct stenting method in comparison to stenting with predilatation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If the operator predicts that the procedure can be performed using direct stenting, he is encouraged to do so. Direct stenting is recommended for all percutaneous coronary interventions when appropriate conditions have been met. If direct stenting has been unsuccessful, the procedure can be converted to predilatation.
authors.affiliation: BH Heart Center Tuzla, Department of Interventional Cardiology, Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
authors.forename: Jasmin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Caluk
authors.forename: Enes
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Osmanovic
authors.forename: Fahir
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barakovic
authors.forename: Zumreta
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Kusljugic
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Terzic
authors.forename: Selma
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Caluk
authors.forename: Amela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sofic