Time-related changes in neointimal tissue coverage of a novel Sirolimus eluting stent: Serial observations with optical coherence tomography

•This is the first serial study comparing coverage at 1, 3, and 6-months in consecutive patients with STEMI;•Aim of our study was to evaluate the vascular time-related changes following implantation of a new SES coated with an amorphous silicon carbide that allows faster re-endothelisation (Orsiro-Biotronik);•The main finding of this pilot study is that the study device presented a fast pattern of intimal coverage, with a thin intimal layer already present at 90-days in 98.7% of stent struts;•The percentage of cross-sections containing thrombus is lower than in previous studies of STEMI patients, a difference possibly related to the low thrombogenicity of the carbon coating;•Our findings suggest safety of the tested novel stent with potential of further reduction in DAPT.

BackgroundDES has reduced rates of restenosis compared with BMS but it has been associated with delayed healing and increase of stent thrombosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the vascular time-related changes following implantation of a new SES coated with an amorphous silicon carbide that allows faster re-endothelisation (Orsiro-Biotronik).MethodsThis prospective registry enrolled STEMI-patients with multi-vessel disease, thus candidates for a two-step procedure. PCI of the culprit lesion was performed with at least one Orsiro stent that was OCT-analysed during the second-step procedure (deferred to 30,90 and 180-days).Results16 of the 95 patients with MVD underwent an OCT evaluation of the study device implanted in the culprit lesion during the second-step staged procedure and were enrolled in the present Registry. A total of 3060-struts were analysed. The percentage of uncovered struts was 19.6% at30-days, 1.3% at90-days and 1.8% at180-days (p < 0.001). The percentage of cross section with ≥ 1 uncovered struts were 51.3% at30-days, 6.5% at90-days and 5.7% at180-days (p < 0.001). The percentage of cross sections containing thrombus was 6.2% at30-days while no thrombus was detected both at90 and 180-days.ConclusionsOur data shows that the new Orsiro stent promotes early and persistent strut coverage with low peri-strut thrombus. This pilot OCT evaluation might suggest a low incidence of late adverse events and anticipate safe outcome after early withdrawal of dual antiplatelet therapy.