Stent thrombosis after drug-eluting stent implantation: incidence, timing, and relation to discontinuation of clopidogrel therapy over a 4-year period

Abstract

The 4 year incidence of ST after DES implantation is low. A relevant number of ST occur early after discontinuation of clopidogrel therapy. The dependence of ST on discontinuation of clopidogrel therapy seems to be mostly confined to the first 6 months after DES implantation. However, specifically designed randomized studies are required to establish the optimal length of clopidogrel therapy after DES implantation.