Impact of various intravascular ultrasound criteria for stent optimization on the six‐month angiographic restenosis

We evaluated the impact of different intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) criteria on 6‐month angiographic restenosis in 511 patients with 560 lesions. Seven IVUS criteria were evaluated in this study; stent area at lesion segment 1) ≥ 100% of distal reference lumen area, 2) ≥ 90% of distal reference lumen area, 3) ≥ 80% of average reference lumen area, 4) ≥ 90% of average reference lumen area, 5) ≥ 55% of average reference vessel area, 6) ≥ 7 mm 2 , and 7) ≥ 9 mm 2 . Using the relative measurement (criteria 1–5), the angiographic restenosis rate was not statistically different. However, absolute measurement of stent area ≥ 7 or 9 mm 2 (criteria 6 and 7) were associated with significantly lower restenosis rate (14.8% vs. 30.9%, P = 0.001, and 13.5% vs. 24.6%, P = 0.006, respectively). In conclusions, using the relative measurement of IVUS criteria, the occurrence of angiographic restenosis might not be predicted. The absolute measurement of IVUS stent area was the predictor of angiographic restenosis. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;56:178–183. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.