Abstract
Background Flow dynamics and shear stress may influence downstream vessel segments. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of lumen narrowing within sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) on vessel response at adjacent reference sites. Methods and Results In 135 patients after SES implantation, minimal lumen area (MLA) within the stent and average lumen area at distal or proximal adjacent reference segments (5 mm) were obtained at baseline and follow up. In the smaller in-stent MLA group (MLA <3 mm2), lumen area decreased significantly at the distal reference compared with the larger in-stent MLA group (MLA ≥3 mm2), although no significant difference was seen at the proximal reference. Conclusion In-stent lumen patency may influence vascular responses at adjacent reference segments after SES implantation. (Circ J 2008; 72: 534 - 537)
