Avoiding subacute stent thrombosis: Has the problem already been solved?

Rapid progress in interventional cardiology has significantly improved the procedural and clinical success of coronary stenting. Nowadays coronary stenting is a feasible and effective method in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Nevertheless there are a few complications that lead to periprocedural morbidity and mortality. One of them is subacute stent thrombosis. Despite its relatively low incidence, it often demands emergency treatment when it occurs. There are a number of factors related to the clinical setting, the lesion, the stent and the procedural technique that affect the risk of stent thrombosis. Based on their own experience and the literature data, the authors determine the main highly significant factors. Stent material and the systemic hemostatic state seem to be the major contributors to the development of subacute stent thrombosis. The use of biocompatible stent combined with rational medical treatment is advised.