Stenting of Culprit Lesions in Unstable Angina Leads to a Marked Reduction in Plaque Burden: A Major Role of Plaque Embolization?

Abstract

Serial volumetric IVUS assessment revealed in UA lesions a marked poststenting reduction in plaque volume, which is significantly greater than in stable angina and is associated with postprocedural CK-MB release. The decrease in PA during the procedure predicts CK-MB release in a multiple regression model. These findings suggest that stent deployment is often associated with plaque embolization in patients with UA.