Drug-Eluting Stent-Induced Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Aneurysm: Repair by Pericardial Patch-Where Are We Headed?

Abstract

Deployment of drug-eluting stents has been associated with late thrombosis and restenosis on withdrawal of antiplatelet agents. We report a complication of inflammation and localized coronary artery aneurysms immediately adjacent to the stent after 4 years of implantation. Late chronic inflammatory responses may evolve for up to 4 years after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation and can cause weakening, erosion, and aneurysms of the coronary arteries. © 2007 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.