Could the Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent be the new stent of choice for coronary artery disease?

This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of the Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent after 1 year in patients with coronary artery disease. 

Stenting (balloon angioplasty) is a surgery carried out on patients with coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease refers to a condition caused by the narrowing of blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients, often due to cholesterol buildup. 

Stenting surgery involves the insertion of a small flexible tube into the blood vessel, normally in the groin area. The tube is moved along the blood system until it reaches the narrowed artery and a small balloon within the tube is then inflated in the artery to dilate it and improve blood flow. Sometimes the stent is a drug-eluting stent that slowly releases a drug over time to help prevent the blockage from recurring. An example of a drug eluting stent includes Resolute that releases the drug zotarolimus.

Antiplatelet medicines, including aspirin, prevent blood clots from forming in arteries. This can prevent a heart attack or stroke in people who have coronary artery disease or who had stent surgery.

This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of the zotarolimus-releasing Resolute stent with antiplatelet medicines prescribed for at least 6 months.

There were 1,800 patients enrolled with an average age of 61 years, of which 76% were men. The study found that cardiac death, heart attack, or the need for restenting surgery during the 1 year period after surgery occurred within only 3.5% of patients. The incidence of death alone was 0.9%. Blood clotting occurred among 0.5% of patients within the first 30 days after surgery and 1 event occurred late (1-12 months). 

This study provides evidence that Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent with anti-platelet therapy is safe and effective in protecting against blood clots, heart attack, and cardiac death, and reduces the need for restenting.

This study did not include a control group or compare Resolute zotarolimus–eluting stent with any other stents, therefore it is uncertain whether the anti-platelet therapy was providing most of the protective effect or if it is superior to other available stents. However, this study proves that the stent is both safe and effective. 

If you or someone you know are considering stenting surgery, talk to a doctor about the different kinds of stents available and the different levels of safety and effectiveness.