Second-generation drug-eluting stent treatment for isolated proximal left anterior descending artery stenoses. The SAFIRA Registry data

ABSTRACT Background Severe stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) is classified as a high-risk lesion, as it may affect a large part of the left ventricular myocardium. Second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) have been shown to be more effective and safer when compared to bare-metal or first-generation ones. There are few reports in the literature on the use of these devices for the treatment of isolated lesions in the proximal LAD. Methods Observational and prospective study, which included single-vessel patients with de novo lesions in the proximal LAD, electively treated with second-generation DES. In-hospital and late clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results Seventy patients were included, most of them males (70%), with a mean age of 65.4 ± 11.2 years and a high prevalence of diabetes (37%). The most common clinical presentation was stable angina (57.1%) and half of the lesions were type B2 or C. A total of 70 lesions were treated with 71 stents, with 100% angiographic success. The primary endpoint, consisting of cardiac death, nonfatal infarction, or target-vessel revascularization during the 2.5-year clinical follow-up, occurred in 3% of the patients. Cardiac death was 1.5%, and target-lesion revascularization was required in only 1.5% of the patients. Conclusions Elective treatment with second-generation DES seems to be a safe option in single-vessel patients with de novo lesions in the proximal LAD, with low rates of adverse cardiac events or need for additional revascularization procedure.