Understanding and minimizing late thrombosis of drug-eluting stents

Although the safety profiles of drug-eluting stents are similar to those of bare metal stents in the short term, concern has arisen about their potential for late thrombosis (occurring > 30 days after implantation). Stent thrombosis is rare but potentially devastating and can result in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or death. The aim of this article is to review the incidence, predictors, pathology, and prevention of late thrombosis of drug-eluting stents.