Cardiologist published in national journal
Posted: Sunday, July 01, 2007
Dr. Ramin Artang, a cardiologist joining Cardiovascular Associates in Sioux City July 1, is the principal investigator of a research article published in the American Journal of Cardiology.
The article, "Analysis of 36 Reported Cases of Late Thrombosis in Drug-Eluting Stents Placed in Coronary Arteries," outlines a systematic review of all published case reports of late blood clot formation (thrombosis) in patients with drug-eluting stents -- small metal tubes used to prop open narrowing coronary arteries.
Introduced in 2003, drug-eluting stents help prevent recurrence of artery narrowing (restenosis), by slowly releasing medication that may help reduce plaque build up. The use of drug-eluting stents now accounts for 90 percent of all stent usage.
The recent research by Artang is timely in that many in the medical community have raised concerns about the risk of blood clots forming due to drug-eluting stents. The results, which also were presented at the annual College of Cardiology meeting in New Orleans in March, indicate that stopping blood thinners such as aspirin prior to surgical procedures adds an additional risk of blood clot formation for this group of patients.
Conclusions drawn from Artang's research may guide physicians in providing appropriate follow-up treatment for patients receiving drug-eluting stents.
Dr. Edward Zajac, an interventional cardiologist in practice with Cardiovascular Associates, said his new colleague's study is insightful. Yet he also cautions that patients who have received drug-eluting stents in recent years should not be overly anxious.
"Stent thrombosis raises a concern, but it is also rare," Zajac said. "The overall risk of serious complications such as clots, heart attacks or death is very low and is similar for bare-metal and drug-eluting stents."
"Of course, no medical device should ever be considered perfect. We urge patients to discuss all of the pros and cons of every option with their physician so they can make an informed decision.
"And, after a stent procedure, it is very important to follow a doctor's recommendation regarding medications and follow-up care," Zajac added.
The article, "Analysis of 36 Reported Cases of Late Thrombosis in Drug-Eluting Stents Placed in Coronary Arteries," outlines a systematic review of all published case reports of late blood clot formation (thrombosis) in patients with drug-eluting stents -- small metal tubes used to prop open narrowing coronary arteries.
Introduced in 2003, drug-eluting stents help prevent recurrence of artery narrowing (restenosis), by slowly releasing medication that may help reduce plaque build up. The use of drug-eluting stents now accounts for 90 percent of all stent usage.
The recent research by Artang is timely in that many in the medical community have raised concerns about the risk of blood clots forming due to drug-eluting stents. The results, which also were presented at the annual College of Cardiology meeting in New Orleans in March, indicate that stopping blood thinners such as aspirin prior to surgical procedures adds an additional risk of blood clot formation for this group of patients.
Conclusions drawn from Artang's research may guide physicians in providing appropriate follow-up treatment for patients receiving drug-eluting stents.
Dr. Edward Zajac, an interventional cardiologist in practice with Cardiovascular Associates, said his new colleague's study is insightful. Yet he also cautions that patients who have received drug-eluting stents in recent years should not be overly anxious.
"Stent thrombosis raises a concern, but it is also rare," Zajac said. "The overall risk of serious complications such as clots, heart attacks or death is very low and is similar for bare-metal and drug-eluting stents."
"Of course, no medical device should ever be considered perfect. We urge patients to discuss all of the pros and cons of every option with their physician so they can make an informed decision.
"And, after a stent procedure, it is very important to follow a doctor's recommendation regarding medications and follow-up care," Zajac added.
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