In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to compare Supraflex (a new ultra-thin drug releasing stent) with a standard drug releasing stent (Xience) in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). The main finding of the study was that the Supraflex had similar effectiveness as Xience.
Some background
CAD means that the blood vessels to the heart become blocked. Placing stents in the blood vessels of the heart is an important part of the management of CAD. Stents are small tubes that keep the blood vessels open. This allows blood to flow to the heart muscle.
Nowadays, drug-releasing stents are normally used. These slowly release a drug over time to prevent the blood vessel from becoming blocked again. Supraflex is a new stent that has an ultra-thin wall and releases a drug called sirolimus. Xience is the standard stent used and releases a drug called everolimus.
It is not known which of these stents has a better long-term outcome.
Methods & findings
This study included 1,435 patients with one or more blockage in their hearts’ blood vessels. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a Supraflex stent or a Xience stent. Patients were followed for 12 months after the placement of stents.
After 12 months, 4.9% of patients with a Supraflex stent had either had a heart attack, required another procedure on their stent or died due to heart disease compared to 5.3% of the Xience group. The rates of a clot forming in the stents were low and similar (0.7%) in both groups.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that the Supraflex stent was similar to the Xience stent.
The fine print
This study had a short follow-up period. Longer studied are required to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this stent.
What’s next?
If you have concerns regarding CAD treatment, please discuss this with your doctor.
Published By :
Lancet (London, England)
Date :
Feb 28, 2019
