Critical in-stent restenosis following fracture of biolimus-eluting stent: a report of 2 cases.

The development of drug-eluting stents (DES) has dramatically reduced the incidence of in-stent restenosis. Stent fracture (SF) of DESs, however, has recently emerged as a rare but serious complication, which may lead to acute coronary syndrome or sudden cardiac death. DES fracture results from metal fatigue and vessel hemodynamic stress on the stent strut, due to markedly reduced neointimal formation. Although actual incidence of SF is not known, previous reports have demonstrated that SF rates are specific to each DES type. In this report, 2 cases of fracture of a Nobori stent are described, with insights into the mechanisms of SF and strategies for its successful management.