Rapamycin promotes arterial thrombosis in vivo: implications for everolimus and zotarolimus eluting stents

Abstract

Rapamycin increases TF activity and promotes arterial thrombosis in vivo at concentrations relevant in patients undergoing DES implantation; this effect may increase the thrombogenicity of DES. Since everolimus and zotarolimus augment endothelial TF expression and activity in vitro in a similar manner as rapamycin, these findings may also be relevant for second generation DES.