Performance of Drug-Eluting Stents in Usual Clinical Practice

No difference was noted between paclitaxel- and sirolimus-eluting stents, but this study has several methodologic flaws.

The comparative performance of paclitaxel- and sirolimus-eluting stents has been difficult to assess, especially among nonselected patients in clinical practice. Danish investigators randomized 2098 patients (mean age, 64) with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-STEMI, unstable coronary syndrome, or stable angina to either paclitaxel- or sirolimus-eluting stents. The study was funded by the stent manufacturers.

Of nearly 12,000 patients who were eligible for randomization, more than 5000 who subsequently received drug-eluting stents were excluded by physician choice (and had less favorable outcomes than did enrollees). During 5 years of follow-up, 212 major adverse events occurred (cardiac death, MI, or target lesion or …

Reviewing Author

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

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Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate