A case of very late thrombosis of bare metal stent successfully treated with excimer laser coronary angioplasty

Abstract

Late thrombosis occurring after bare metal stent (BMS) implantation is a rare complication. However, it is often associated with poor outcome. Mechanisms underlying BMS thrombosis may differ from those underlying drug eluting stent thrombosis. In particular, severe instent restenosis may trigger thrombus formation. This case report describes a very late thrombosis of BMS occurring on an in-stent restenosis. After failure of manual thrombectomy, the case was successfully faced by Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty (ELCA). Cases like this may be successfully treated by devices like ELCA combining debulking and thrombus removal capabilities.