Serial Assessment of Coronary Artery Response to Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography imaging suggested the first 3 months to be the period with most biological activity after paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation, when the proliferative reaction mainly occurs and malapposition resolves. A less active, yet continuous, dynamic arterial response, with resolution and development of malapposition, occurs through 9 months post-treatment.