First clinical experience with a new flexible low profile metallic stent and delivery system.

We report the first clinical use of a new, flexible, low profile, balloon-expandable metallic stent and delivery system (ACS Multi-Link). The stent, designed in an effort to overcome the shortcoming of existing stents, has a low metal mass, superior scaffolding properties and favourable rheological characteristics. It also allows side branch access and is delivered via an innovative stent catheter. Ten stents were used to treat 10 patients with threatened abrupt closure after balloon angioplasty. All were successfully deployed, with a satisfactory angiographic result in nine. The patient with an unsatisfactory angiographic result proceeded to uneventful coronary bypass surgery. There were no other procedural or in-hospital complications. One patient developed restenosis and one had an intra-cerebral bleed following a fall. This new stent thus appears safe and effective when used to treat threatened abrupt closure. Due to its favourable characteristics, it may be well suited for reduction of restenosis. A multi-centre European registry (WEST) for primary implantation in 100 consecutive patients has now been completed.