CardioMind initiates first human trial of drug-eluting stent

The Care II trial began in February at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, and, so far, has led to successful implantations in 12 patients. The multi-site Care II study, which will eventually enroll 220 patients, is a randomized trial of three different stents, both bare-metal and drug-eluting versions of the Sparrow, plus a competitive stent.

Robert Whitbourn, associate professor and director at St Vincent’s Hospital and one of the study’s lead investigators, said: “Thus far, the first cases in this study are very encouraging. All our implanted patients are doing well, and I am impressed with the overall deliverability and performance of this new stent delivery system. We expect to report first full follow-up results in eight months.”