Public policy and coronary stenting: A different perspective

Coronary stenting is an innovative technology, which, in nonexperimental trials, has improved patient outcomes following threatened or abrupt closure. Randomized trials have shown a decrease in the restenosis rate and an accompanying decrease in repeat angioplasty in very specific patient groups. Stenting is becoming widespread in a variety of clinical situations where few controlled clinical trials have been performed. Further research is required to ascertain fully the safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness of coronary stenting in routine practice before public policy can be formulated sensibly.