Autologous vein graft-coated stent for treatment of coronary artery disease.

Acute or subacute thrombosis and late restenosis remain the main limitations of permanent stenting. In an effort to address these limitations, an autologous vein graft-coated stent (AVGCS) was developed at our institution. This stent consists of a conventional stent (Palmaz or Palmaz-Schatz, Johnson and Johnson), which is covered by an autologous vein graft. After successful experimental implantation, we report here the immediate results of the percutaneous implantation of AVGCS in 7 patients with coronary artery disease (6 de novo lesions and 1 bailout case). The results of this preliminary study indicate that the preparation of the AVGCS is easy and feasible. The implantation of the AVGCS was uncomplicated, and the immediate angiographic results were excellent. This new type of coated stent may be useful in addressing current limitations of balloon angioplasty.