A novel method of coronary stent sizing using intravascular ultrasound: Safety and clinical outcomes

OBJECTIVES: The use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in guiding coronary stenting has increased in recent years. The feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes of a novel method of sizing coronary stents using IVUS have not been established. The main end points of the current study are the incidence of acute and short-term complications, and the need for target vessel revascularization at six months. METHODS: Eighty-six patients underwent coronary stenting using IVUS imaging during the procedure. The optimal size of the stents was determined by using a novel method (the 'aggressive IVUS method'), ie, measuring the media-to-media dimensions of the coronary vessels at the site of the lesions using IVUS. A six-month follow-up chart review was performed following the initial stenting. RESULTS: At six months, there were two noncardiac deaths in the group. There were no acute, subacute or late stent thromboses. Target vessel revascularization and major adverse cardiac event rates remained low-at 5.8% and 9.3%, respectively. The mean (+/- SD) IVUS-derived coronary stent size (3.89 +/- 0.98 mm) using the aggressive IVUS method was significantly different from the mean IVUS-derived coronary stent size (3.46 +/- 0.96 mm) using the 'traditional IVUS method'. CONCLUSION: Aggressive sizing of the coronary stents by IVUS guidance is feasible and safe, and is associated with a favourable clinical outcome.