Next-generation drug-eluting stents in coronary artery disease: focus on everolimus-eluting stent (Xience V®)

Percutaneous coronary revascularization has been a mainstay in the management of coronary artery disease since its introduction in the late 1970s. Bare-metal stents and, more recently, first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES), such as sirolimus-eluting (Cypher) and paclitaxel-eluting stents (Taxus), have further improved results of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by improving early results and reducing the risk of restenosis. There is currently debate on the safety of these first-generation DES, given the potential for late stent thrombosis, especially after discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy. There are well known caveats on the performance of their respective metallic stent platforms, delivery, and dilation systems, and polymer coatings. Second-generation DES, such as zotarolimus-eluting (Endeavor) and everolimus-eluting stents (Xience V), have recently become available in the USA and/or Europe. The Xience V stent holds the promise of superior anti-restenotic efficacy as well as long-term safety. In addition, this stent is based on the Multi-link platform and delivery system. Recently available data already suggest the superiority of the Xience V stent in comparison to the Taxus stent in terms of prevention of restenosis, without significant untoward events. Nonetheless, the number of patients studied and the follow-up duration are still too limited to enable definitive conclusions. Only indirect meta-analyses can be used to date to compare the Xience V with the Cypher. This systematic review tries to provide a concise and critical appraisal of the data in support of the Xience V everolimus-eluting stent.