Covered stents have shown discouraging results when tested on saphenous vein grafts and when attempting to prevent restenosis on native coronary arteries. However, covered stents seem to be a unique tool when a coronary artery perforation complicates percutaneous coronary intervention. Because a randomized clinical trial is not likely to be conducted in this bail-out scenario, the data supporting its use come from case reports and small-size retrospective studies. This review summarizes the available evidence supporting the use of covered stents to treat coronary perforations.
Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.