Covered Stents for Coronary Perforations: Is There Enough Evidence?

Covered stents have shown discouraging results when tested on saphenous vein grafts and when attempting to prevent restenosis on native coronary arteries. However, covered stents seem to be a unique tool when a coronary artery perforation complicates percutaneous coronary intervention. Because a randomized clinical trial is not likely to be conducted in this bail-out scenario, the data supporting its use come from case reports and small-size retrospective studies. This review summarizes the available evidence supporting the use of covered stents to treat coronary perforations. (C) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.