Dr.S.Venkatesan MD

If inapproprite stenting is to be prevented . . . most cardiologists may need to be sued and banned !

March 5, 2011 3:43 pm

Coronary artery stenting , many consider as the 2nd revolution in cardiology after the invention of cardiac catheterisation . Millions of angioplasties take place world wide every year . Suddenly it would appear that medical therapy was forcibly thrown out into the bin .This in spite of the fact there is no major difference in ultimate CAD outcome in the long term between PCI and medical therapy in chronic CAD.

The COURAGE trial which gave a renewed lease of life to medical therapy , was severely criticized by the interventionists. 5 years after the COURAGE the inappropriate stent usage continues unabated.

The term inappropriate usage , some how undermines the seriousness of the issue. Few realise the fact , inappropriate usage actually amounts to mal-practice or an act of medical negligence (Guideline violation) which deserve a strong condemnation .

The general media is just been exposed to the tip of the Iceberg (Not even the tip !) At least in USA and other developed countries they have systematic data about the usage of stents. In a country like India . . .less said is better. There are many like Dr Mark Midei camouflaged in every country.

More pro active Media is required like the ones below.