So what have we learned? That is easy. The interventional cardiologist now has a greater choice of instruments to treat you with. The results are far more successful than they used to be. It is not surprising that in some smaller vessels one type of stent may be better than another. Likewise, it is not surprising that a certain type of stent may be better for a longer blockage or around a different curve. These are issues that may make an interventional cardiologist choose one or another of these small instruments. Therefore, I would not be concerned that the more expensive drug eluting stents do not appear in the long run to be any better than brachytherapy or bare metal stents. Each may have its place.
All patients who receive any kind of stent do need to be aware of the need to continue on aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix), the latter for at least 12 months. Patients who receive stents must aim to get their diabetes under control (if they have this diagnosis), to lower the LDL cholesterol to 70, to refrain from smoking, and to maintain their weight close to ideal body weight (the National Institute for Health, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute publishes a good guideline for weight and BMI or body mass index that is used by most cardiologists).
Related Information:
Cardiologists Issue Guidelines for Stent Use
Drug-Eluting Stents Best After Artery Re-Closure
Novel Stent Relieves Acute Heart Pain
