Coronary stenting without anticoagulation

Abstract

Stents are useful bail-out devices in coronary angioplasty. They are also used electively for situations associated with poor angioplasty results (e.g., restenotic lesions, venous grafts) and may reduce restenosis rates. However, the significant incidence of stent thrombosis necessitated aggressive anticoagulation with associated hemorrhagic complications. This remains a major limitation of stenting. We present our experience of stenting with half (disarticulated) Palmaz-Schatz coronary stents in eight consecutive patients, managed with aspirin alone. No patient experienced acute or subacute stent thrombosis.