Longitudinal plaque redistribution during stent expansion

The purpose of this study was to clarify the 3-dimensional behavior of plaque during coronary stent expansion. Serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) studies, preintervention, and poststenting were evaluated in 32 patients treated with a single-balloon expandable tubular stent. External elastic membrane (EEM), lumen, stent, and plaque + media cross-sectional area were measured at 1-mm intervals through the entire stent as well as proximal and distal reference segments 5 mm from the stent edge. Volumetric calculations were based on Simpson’s rule. Overall, the plaque + media volume through the entire lesion did not change during stent expansion (218 ± 51 vs 217 ± 47 mm 3, p = 0.69). However, EEM and lumen volume increased significantly (EEM volume, 391 ± 84 vs 448 ± 87 mm 3 [p