Increased Mortality with Sirolimus-Eluting Stents in Saphenous Vein Grafts?

Post-hoc results from a small study may be cause for concern.

Results from the Reduction of Restenosis In Saphenous vein grafts with Cypher sirolimus-eluting stent (RRISC) trial — a small, randomized study — demonstrated markedly lower target vessel revascularization (TVR) rates in saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions treated with sirolimus-eluting stents (SES), compared with bare metal stents (BMS; 5% and 27%, respectively). To examine all-cause mortality in these patients, the RRISC investigators subsequently extended their study. The present analysis includes follow-up data up to 3 years.

Death occurred in 11 of the 38 patients (29%) who received SES and in none of the 37 patients who received BMS (P<0.001). Of these deaths, seven were cardiac. Antiplatelet therapy had been suspended in four patients …

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI