A new-generation stent with an ultrathin abluminal coating of paclitaxel microdots eluted from a biodegradable polymer does not improve strut coverage compared with a conventional durable-polymer paclitaxel-eluting stent. While the results raise doubts as to its potential for reducing late stent thrombosis, the new stent does show antirestenotic properties and 1-year clinical outcomes equivalent to Taxus. The findings were published online July 20, 2010, ahead of print in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.
