Rotablation in Complex Calcified Lesions Doesn't Improve Outcomes

The two groups had statistically indistinguishable rates of clinical outcomes such as myocardial infarction, major adverse cardiovascular events, and death. The target lesion revascularization rate – a clinical indicator of restenosis – was about 12% in each group. There was only a single case of definite stent thrombosis, seen in the rotablation group.

"Rotablation and paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation was not superior to balloon dilatation and paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation in reducing the primary end point of late lumen loss at 9 months, indicating that rotablation does not increase the efficacy of drug-eluting stents in calcified lesions," he concluded.

The trial was sponsored by Herz-Kreislauf-Zentrum Segeberger Kliniken GmbH. Dr. Richardt reported that he is a consultant to, is a speaker for, or receives honoraria from Abbott Vascular and Boston Scientific. Dr. Mehran reported that she receives research or grant support from Bristol-Myers Squibb and The Medicines Company; is a consultant to, is a speaker for, or receives honoraria from AstraZeneca and Ortho-McNeil; and receives other, noncategorized financial support from Abbott Vascular. Dr. Waksman reported that he has no relevant conflicts of interest.