We postulated that local delivery of enoxaparin via Transport catheter (LE) without full systemic heparinization, prevents stent thrombosis and may have antiproliferative properties reducing restenosis rates. Randomization of 100 pts into LE and systemic heparinization (SH) groups is in progress. LE group received 2,500 U Heparin IV and 10 mg of enoxaparin to the treated site during predilation and SH group 10,000 U Heparin IV, both prior to NIR stent placement. Data (mean +/- SD) are presented on 66 pts (48 M, 18 F), age 53.4 +/- 8.5 years, 33 pts in LE and 33 in SH group. Baseline ACT's were: 94.6 +/- 40.6 in LE group, 120.9 +/- 48.9 sec in SH group (NS). After 2,500 U of Heparin IV, ACT was 257.8 +/- 168.3 sec, and after enoxaparin ACT was 295.2 +/- 168.3 (NS). Final ACT's were: 179.8 +/- 106.4 in LE and 360.1 +/- 228.9 sec in SH (p < 0.001). In SH group reference dia was 2.87 +/- 0.38 mm, post stent MLD rose from 0.78 +/- 0.33 to 2.53 +/- 0.35 mm, and the DS fell from 72.9 +/- 11.1% to 9.1 +/- 8.6% (both p < 0.001). In LE group reference dia was 2.99 +/- 0.42 mm, post stent MLD rose from 0.85 +/- 0.38 mm to 2.57 +/- 0.35, and the DS fell from 71.1 +/- 12.6% to 10.7 +/- 6.8% (both p < 0.001). Acute gain was 1.75 +/- 0.41 in SH and 1.72 +/- 0.50 mm in LE group (NS). There was no increase in the procedure time when using local drug delivery; 72.1 +/- 36.1 min in LE group vs 67.0 +/- 35.8 min SH group (NS), however sheaths were removed significantly earlier in LE group: 110.5 +/- 49.0 min vs 389.0 +/- 113.3 min in SH group (p < 0.001). No death, acute MI, emergent CABG, subacute stent closure or groin complications have occurred in either group at the time of procedure and during 30 days of follow-up.Conclusions: Results of NIR stent deployment were comparable in both groups and reflected substantial acute MLD gain. Effective local drug delivery is suggested since there was no increase of ACT after enoxaparin, and no stent thrombosis had occurred in LE group. LE strategy was associated with earlier ambulation. Six months angiographic follow-up will be available.