Predictors of scaffold failure and impact of optimized scaffold implantation technique on outcome: Results from the German-Austrian ABSORB RegIstRy.AIMS
 We aimed to investigate predictors of scaffold failure and the potential impact of an optimized scaffold implantation technique by means of a learning curve on long-term clinical outcome after bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) implantation and to evaluate predictors of scaffold failure.


 A total of 3326 patients were included in this prospective, observational, multi-center study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02066623) of consecutive patients undergoing BRS implantation between November 2013 and January 2016.  The 3144 patients completed follow-up after 24 months, 3265 patients were eligible for time-to-event-analysis.  Clinical endpoints were major adverse cardiac events-a composite endpoint of death, target vessel revascularization and myocardial infarction, and scaffold thrombosis (ScT).  Patients were grouped according to treatment before or since 2015.  During follow-up MACE rate improved from 2.52% after 30 days, 5.45% after 6 months and 12.67% after 24 months to 1.52%, 3.44%, and 10.52%, respectively.  A total of 75 ScT occurred.  In multiple regression analysis, treatment of bifurcations, long lesions, and procedures performed earlier than 2014 were identified as predictors for the occurrence of ScT.


 CONCLUSION
 Treatment of bifurcation lesions is the strongest predictor of ScT following BRS implantation.  A significantly lower incidence of ScT and 24-month target lesion revascularization in patients recruited after 2014 into our observational registry suggests the influence of a learning curve.
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