Randomized Trial Evaluating Slow-Release Formulation TAXUS Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent in the Treatment of In-Stent Restenosis

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the TAXUS Express2 Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent System as compared to brachytherapy in patients experiencing in-stent restenosis.

Percutaneous approaches to in-stent restenosis (ISR) have included balloon angioplasty alone, rotational atherectomy, cutting balloon angioplasty, directional coronary atherectomy, excimer laser angioplasty, placement of a second stent or any combination thereof, and intra-coronary brachytherapy. Of these, only brachytherapy has been shown to reduce recurrent restenosis after PCI for ISR, - and is now considered the standard of care. Logistical considerations in establishing and maintaining a radiation program have limited the widespread availability of this modality. These considerations include the need for involvement of radiation oncologists, physicists, and safety officers; nuclear licensing requirements; need for increased shielding and safety training; equipment and procedural complexities; as well as increased procedural time and costs. Furthermore, recurrent ISR after brachytherapy may still occur. Stent based drug delivery for the treatment of ISR holds promise as a much simpler, safer and potentially more effective alternative to brachytherapy.

This is a prospective, randomized (1:1), open-label, multicenter, safety and efficacy trial for the treatment of in-stent restenosis. The primary objective is to demonstrate a superior or non-inferior 9-month target vessel revascularization (TVR) rate for TAXUS-SR stent compared to intra-coronary brachytherapy (beta source).

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cumulative target lesion length is \</= 46 mm (visual estimate).
* Reference vessel diameter (RVD) is \>/= 2.5 and \</= 3.75 mm (visual estimate)
* Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is \>/= 25%

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any previous or planned treatment with a non-study anti-restenotic drug-coated or drug-eluting coronary stent in the target vessel. (Note:previous or planned treatment with heparin or phosphorylcholine coated stents is acceptable, as long as, the procedure with the non-study stent meets the protocol defined criteria for non-target lesion interventions.)
* Previous or planned treatment with intra-coronary brachytherapy (gamma or beta source) in the target vessel
* Previous external radiotherapy to the heart or target vessel area
* Known genetic radiation sensitivity disorders (i.e. ataxia-telangiectasia, etc.)
* Side branch of the target lesion includes ostial narrowing \>/= 50% diameter stenosis (DS) and is \>/= 2.0 mm diameter
* Target lesion has been previously treated for ISR with the placement of a second stent(s), which covers \>/= 50% of the original stent length (a true "stent sandwich")
* Target vessel is pre-treated with an unapproved device, directional or rotational coronary atherectomy, laser, or transluminal extraction catheter immediately prior to delivery of randomized treatment (stent placement or intra-coronary brachytherapy)
* Recent myocardial infarction (MI) (symptom onset \</= 72 hours prior to randomization)
* CK-MB \>2x the local laboratory's upper limit of normal (ULN) (refers to a measured value on the day of the index procedure as drawn per protocol)
* Anticipated treatment with warfarin during any period in the 6 months post index procedure
* Anticipated treatment with paclitaxel, oral rapamycin or colchicine during any period in the 9 months post index procedure
* Planned use of both the study stent and a non-study stent (i.e., commercial stent) in the treatment of the target lesion