Complex coronary angioplasty: a technique for dilatation of bifurcation stenoses.

Abstract

Bifurcation stenoses have been recognized to be at "high risk" for acute closure during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Use of the traditional single balloon technique in such situations often results in acute closure or worsening of the stenosis in the other branch. A technique utilizing simultaneous inflation of two balloons, ("kissing balloon" technique) has been utilized to avoid this complication. A double balloon technique has been developed using sequential inflations rather than simultaneous inflations to preserve the integrity of both branches while avoiding the arterial trauma produced by inflating two balloons in a small artery simultaneously. Twelve of 13 bifurcation stenoses were successfully treated with this sequential inflation double balloon technique. (Primary success rate = 92%).