Background: Cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) stents are a new type of endovascular prostheses characterised by better mechanical properties than traditional stainless steel stents.
Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) using the new Co-Cr Kos stent (Balton, Poland).
Methods: A total of 59 patients with coronary artery diseases (76% men, aged 60+/-9 years, diabetes - 16.9%, smoking - 62.7%, 11.8% - acute myocardial infarction) underwent PCI for de novo lesions in native coronary vessels. The patients were followed for 6 months for the occurrence of cardiac events. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed at baseline and after 6 months.
Results: In total, we implanted 62 stents in 59 coronary arteries. The mean diameter of the stents was 3.18+/-0.18 mm, and length - 14.62+/-2.12 mm. During a one-month follow-up period no cardiac events were noted. During a 6-month follow-up no death or new myocardial infarction were recorded. Control angiography was done in 55 (92%) subjects. Repeated target vessel revascularisation due to recurrent angina or in-stent restenosis was required in 10 (17%) patients; however, off-line core evaluation found significant re-narrowing in implanted stents (>50% diameter stenosis) only in 6 cases (10.9%). The mean late vessel lumen loss was 0.55+/-0.6 mm and stenosis 25.2+/-17.9%.
Conclusions: Implantation of the new Co-Cr Kos stent during PCI is safe and effective.