Randomized Trial Evaluating Slow-Release Formulation TAXUS Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent in the Treatment of In-Stent Restenosis

Percutaneous approaches to in-stent restenosis (ISR) have included balloon angioplasty alone, rotational atherectomy, cutting balloon angioplasty, directional coronary atherectomy, excimer laser angioplasty, placement of a second stent or any combination thereof, and intra-coronary brachytherapy. Of these, only brachytherapy has been shown to reduce recurrent restenosis after PCI for ISR, - and is now considered the standard of care. Logistical considerations in establishing and maintaining a radiation program have limited the widespread availability of this modality. These considerations include the need for involvement of radiation oncologists, physicists, and safety officers; nuclear licensing requirements; need for increased shielding and safety training; equipment and procedural complexities; as well as increased procedural time and costs. Furthermore, recurrent ISR after brachytherapy may still occur. Stent based drug delivery for the treatment of ISR holds promise as a much simpler, safer and potentially more effective alternative to brachytherapy. This is a prospective, randomized (1:1), open-label, multicenter, safety and efficacy trial for the treatment of in-stent restenosis. The primary objective is to demonstrate a superior or non-inferior 9-month target vessel revascularization (TVR) rate for TAXUS-SR stent compared to intra-coronary brachytherapy (beta source).