The Particulars: The short-term safety of covered stents has been evaluated in previous research. However, investigations into the long-term safety and patency of covered stents are lacking.
Data Breakdown: For a study, researchers analyzed 174 patients who received covered stents as an intervention for their iliac arteries. The average long-term follow-up was 43 months (ranging from 6 to 84 months). Of the 38 deaths observed during follow-up, none were related to the covered stent procedure or the device. Late occlusion occurred in two patients, and there were no amputations. Clinical patency was 99.4% at 46 months.
Take Home Pearl: Covered stents appear to be safe and have superior long-term clinical patency in the iliac arteries.
