A Critical Review of the Molecular and Clinical Effects of Cilostazol After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

TL;DR

This paper reviews how cilostazol, a drug approved for leg pain, may help prevent artery re-narrowing after heart procedures, especially in high-risk patients.

Contribution

The paper provides a critical review of cilostazol's molecular and clinical effects in reducing restenosis after PCI, highlighting its underutilization.

Findings

Cilostazol inhibits smooth muscle proliferation and intimal hyperplasia in experimental models.

Clinical trials show cilostazol reduces restenosis compared to aspirin or clopidogrel after PCI.

Cilostazol is underused despite evidence supporting its effectiveness in preventing coronary restenosis.

Abstract

Background: Restenosis after coronary stent implantation remains a major clinical challenge, especially in patients with diabetes, long lesions, or multiple stents. Standard therapy with aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors does not reliably prevent this complication. Objectives: We reviewed experimental and clinical evidence on cilostazol, a selective phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, as a strategy to reduce restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Preclinical and clinical studies were critically appraised, focusing on the effects of cilostazol on vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, platelet aggregation, lipid metabolism, and restenosis rates. Results: Experimental models show that cilostazol inhibits smooth muscle proliferation and intimal hyperplasia after arterial injury. Clinical trials demonstrate reduced restenosis after balloon angioplasty and stent implantation compared with aspirin, ticlopidine, or clopidogrel. Although approved by the FDA for intermittent claudication, cilostazol remains underused in the prevention of coronary restenosis. Conclusions: Current evidence supports cilostazol as an effective adjunctive therapy to reduce restenosis following PCI. Wider adoption and further large-scale trials are warranted to better define its role in contemporary interventional practice.