Understanding Operator Stent Choice in the Catheterization Laboratory Using a Pre-Procedure Survey: Opportunities for Quality Improvement

Abstract Objectives We sought to characterize how the perceived risk of early dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) discontinuation is incorporated into operator decision-making regarding stent choice, using a simple pre-procedure survey screening for clinical variables that may lead to early DAPT discontinuation. Background Understanding which factors influence operator decision-making regarding stent choice during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) could help identify areas for quality improvement. Methods We retrospectively identified 1202 patients who underwent PCI from July 2008 to January 2013 at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. We excluded patients without a complete pre-procedure survey within 14 days of PCI, repeat procedures on the same patient and those who received both drug-eluting stents (DES) and bare-metal stents (BMS) or no stent during PCI, leaving 864 patients. The primary outcome was the independent association of “yes” responses to survey items with the odds of DES use during PCI. Results Of 864 patients, 661 received DES and 203 received BMS. A “yes” response to “planned major surgery or dental work in the next year” (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.11–0.36, p p  = 0.003) or “currently taking Coumadin” (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19–0.78, p  = 0.007) was independently associated with lower odds of DES use. Conclusions Responses to 3 items on a simple pre-procedure survey screening for clinical variables that may lead to early DAPT discontinuation were independently associated with stent type used during PCI, suggesting the importance of these factors in an operator's stent choice.