Long-term effects of coronary atherectomy versus stent implantation

To compare the long-term effects of initially successful directional coronary atherectomy and stent implantation, we individually matched 117 patients who underwent atherectomy with 117 patients who underwent stent implantation. Atherectomy resulted in a smaller immediate gain in lumen diameter than stent placement. Late loss in lumen diameter was similar for both groups. Stent implantation therefore resulted in a larger late lumen diameter. This excellent long-term results was reflected in the finding that the stent group had a lower restenosis rate and a reduced need for target lesion revascularization than the atherectomy group.