Review Article   

Minerva Cardiology and Angiology 2022 Jul 05

DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5683.22.06091-4

Copyright © 2022 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

The role of inflammation in percutaneous coronary intervention, from balloon angioplasty to drug eluting stents

Ioannis MERINOPOULOS ^{1, 2}, Tharusha GUNAWARDENA ^{1, 2}, Natasha CORBALLIS ^{1, 2}, Vassiliki TSAMPASIAN ^{1, 2}, Simon C. ECCLESHALL ¹, James SMITH ², Vassilios S. VASSILIOU ^{1, 2} ✉

¹ Department of Cardiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK; ² Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

The role of inflammation in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been investigated in numerous studies. Both pre- PCI and post- PCI inflammatory status have been demonstrated to be linked with patient outcomes. C-reactive protein (CRP) continues to be the most studied inflammatory biomarker, while a growing number of additional biomarkers, including cytokines and immune cells, are being assessed. As insights are gained into the complexities of the inflammatory response to PCI, it becomes evident that a targeted approach is necessary to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Here, we review the biomarkers that can predict patient outcomes following PCI and specifically how they differ for balloon angioplasty, bare metal stents and drug eluting stents. A specific focus is given to human studies and peri-procedural inflammation rather than inflammation associated with myocardial infarction.

KEY WORDS: Inflammation; Angioplasty; Coronary artery disease