Newest-generation drug-eluting and bare-metal stents combined with prasugrel-based antiplatelet therapy in large coronary arteries: The BAsel Stent Kosten Effektivitäts Trial PROspective Validation Examination part II (BASKET-PROVE II) trial design

Background In the BAsel Stent Kosten Effektivitäts Trial PROspective Validation Examination (BASKET-PROVE), drug-eluting stents (DESs) had similar 2-year rates of death and myocardial infarction but lower rates of target vessel revascularization and major adverse cardiac events compared with bare-metal stents (BMSs). However, comparative clinical effects of newest-generation DES with biodegradable polymers vs second-generation DES or newest-generation BMS with biocompatible coatings, all combined with a prasugrel-based antiplatelet therapy, on 2-year outcomes are not known. Methods In BASKET-PROVE II, 2,400 patients with de novo lesions in native vessels ≥3 mm in diameter are randomized 1:1:1 to receive a conventional DES, a DES with a biodegradable polymer, or a BMS with biocompatible coating. In addition to aspirin, stable patients with BMS will receive prasugrel for 1 month, whereas all others will receive prasugrel for 12 months. The primary end point will be combined cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization up to 2 years. Secondary end points include stent thrombosis and major bleeding. The primary aim is to test (1) the noninferiority of a biodegradable-polymer DES to a conventional DES and (2) the superiority of both DESs to BMS. A secondary aim is to compare the outcomes with those of BASKET-PROVE regarding the effects of prasugrel-based vs clopidogrel-based antiplatelet therapy. Results By the end of 2010, 878 patients (37% of those planned) were enrolled. Conclusions This study will test the comparative long-term safety and efficacy of newest-generation stents on the background of contemporary antiplatelet therapy in a large all-comer population undergoing large native coronary artery stenting.