late stent thrombosis
Thrombotic occlusion of a coronary stent occurring between 30 days and 1 year after implantation, representing delayed healing complications.
Full Definition
Late stent thrombosis refers to acute thrombotic occlusion of a previously implanted coronary stent occurring between 30 days and 1 year after the index procedure. This complication represents delayed arterial healing and endothelialization, often associated with drug-eluting stents that delay vascular repair processes. Late stent thrombosis typically presents as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and carries high morbidity and mortality rates. Risk factors include premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy, complex lesion characteristics, and specific stent designs. The Academic Research Consortium has standardized definitions to distinguish late (30 days to 1 year) from very late (>1 year) stent thrombosis.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify timing classification (late vs very late); distinguish from in-stent restenosis.
In Context
- "Late stent thrombosis rates were significantly higher with first-generation drug-eluting stents." — comparative effectiveness study
- "The patient developed late stent thrombosis six months after discontinuing clopidogrel therapy." — case report