Drug-eluting stents versus bare-metal stents in primary percutaneous coronary intervention

While the benefits of drug-eluting stents (DES) in low-risk populations are well established, there is ongoing debate about their role in the higher risk setting of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. This was in response to early studies, which investigated the first generation of DES, demonstrating increased occurrence of very late stent thrombosis. However, more potent antiplatelet agents, novel antithrombotic agents and evolution of DES design and polymers have reduced the occurrence of very late stent thrombosis. Studies evaluating shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy following the use of DES are currently underway. This review examines the relevant literature and analyzes the safety and efficacy of implanting DES in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction.