The risk of drug-eluting stent thrombosis with noncardiac surgery.

Patients in whom any kind of stent, particularly a drug-eluting stent (DES), was recently implanted are at risk for stent thrombosis when they undergo noncardiac surgery, even months or years after their implantation. The risk of DES thrombosis is likely decreased by delaying noncardiac surgery for as long as possible and continuing dual or at least single antiplatelet therapy in the perioperative period. Preoperative identification and close monitoring of patients with DES may allow prevention and prompt detection and treatment of this catastrophic complication.