Left Main Bifurcation Research Articles

Distinct Challenges of Eruptive and Non-Eruptive Calcified Nodules in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

To provide a summary of prevalence, pathogenesis, and treatment of coronary calcified nodules (CNs). CNs are most frequently detected at the sites of hinge motion of severely calcified lesions such as in the middle segment of right coronary artery and left main coronary bifurcation. On histopathology, CNs exhibit two distinctive morphologies: eruptive and non-eruptive. Eruptive CNs, which have a disrupted fibrous cap with adherent thrombi, are biologically active. Non-eruptive CNs, which have an intact fibrous cap without thrombi, are biologically inactive, representing either healed eruptive CNs or protrusion of calcium due to plaque progression. Recent studies using optical coherence tomography (OCT) have shown a difference in the mechanism of stent failure in the two subtypes, demonstrating early reappearance of eruptive CNs in the stent (at ~ 6months) as a unique mechanism of stent failure that does not seem to be preventable by simply achieving adequate stent expansion. The cause of CN reappearance in stent is not known and could be due to acute or subacute intrusion or continued growth of the CN. Whether modification of CN is needed, the most effective calcium modification modality and effectiveness of stent implantation in eruptive CNs has not been elucidated. In this review, we discuss pathogenesis of CNs and how intravascular imaging can help diagnose and manage patients with CNs. We also discuss medical and transcatheter therapies beyond conventional stent implantation for effective treatment of eruptive CNs that warrant testing in prospective studies.

Effect of negative remodeling of the side branch ostium on the efficacy of a two-stent strategy for distal left main bifurcation lesions: an intravascular ultrasound study.

To investigate whether negative remodeling (NR) detected by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of the side branch ostium (SBO) would affect in-stent neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) at the one-year follow-up and the clinical outcome of target lesion failure (TLF) at the long-term follow-up for patients with left main bifurcation (LMb) lesions treated with a two-stent strategy. A total of 328 patients with de novo true complex LMb lesions who underwent a 2-stent strategy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment guided by IVUS were enrolled in this study. We divided the study into two phases. Of all the patients, 48 patients who had complete IVUS detection pre- and post-PCI and at the 1-year follow-up were enrolled in phase I analysis, which aimed to analyze the correlation between NR and in-stent NIH at SBO at the 1-year follow-up. If the correlation was confirmed, the cutoff value of the remodeling index (RI) for predicting NIH ≥ 50% was analyzed next. The phase II analysis focused on the incidence of TLF as the primary endpoint at the 1- to 5-year follow-up for all 328 patients by grouping based on the cutoff value of RI. In phase I: according to the results of a binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the RI cutoff value predicting percent NIH ≥ 50% was 0.85 based on the ROC curve analysis, with a sensitivity of 85.7%, a specificity of 88.3%, and an AUC of 0.893 (0.778, 1.000), P = 0.002. In phase II: the TLR rate (35.8% vs. 5.3%, P < 0.0001) was significantly higher in the several NR (sNR, defined as RI ≤ 0.85) group than in the non-sNR group. The NR of LCxO is associated with more in-stent NIH post-PCI for distal LMb lesions with a 2-stent strategy, and NR with RI ≤ 0.85 is linked to percent NIH area ≥ 50% at the 1-year follow-up and more TLF at the 5-year follow-up.

TCTAP C-093 “Break the Calcium Rock” - A Challenging Case of Calcified Left Main Bifurcation Lesion With Rotashock and Impella Support in an Elderly Patient

TCTAP C-093 “Break the Calcium Rock” - A Challenging Case of Calcified Left Main Bifurcation Lesion With Rotashock and Impella Support in an Elderly Patient

Thrombus burden management during primary coronary bifurcation intervention: a new experimental bench model.

Management of thrombus burden during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is a key-point, given the high risk of stent malapposition and/or thrombus embolization. These issues are especially important if pPCI involves a coronary bifurcation. Herein, a new experimental bifurcation bench model to analyze thrombus burden behavior was developed. On a fractal left main bifurcation bench model, we generated standardized thrombus with human blood and tissue factor. Three provisional pPCI strategies were compared (n = 10/group): 1) balloon-expandable stent (BES), 2) BES completed by proximal optimizing technique (POT), and 3) nitinol self-apposing stent (SAS). The embolized distal thrombus after stent implantation was weighed. Stent apposition and thrombus trapped by the stent were quantified on 2D-OCT. To analyze final stent apposition, a new OCT acquisition was performed after pharmacological thrombolysis. Trapped thrombus was significantly greater with isolated BES than SAS or BES+POT (18.8 ± 5.8% vs. 10.3 ± 3.3% and 6.2 ± 2.1%, respectively; p < 0.05), and greater with SAS than BES+POT (p < 0.05). Isolated BES and SAS tended show less embolized thrombus than BES+POT (5.93 ± 4.32 mg and 5.05 ± 4.56 mg vs. 7.01 ± 4.32 mg, respectively; p = NS). Conversely, SAS and BES+POT ensured perfect final global apposition (0.4 ± 0.6% and 1.3 ± 1.3%, respectively, p = NS) compared to isolated BES (74.0 ± 7.6%, p < 0.05). This first experimental bench model of pPCI in a bifurcation quantified thrombus trapping and embolization. BES provided the best thrombus trapping, while SAS and BES+POT achieved better final stent apposition. These factors should be taken into account in selecting revascularization strategy.

A New Scoring System Predicting Side-Branch Occlusion in Patients Undergoing Left Main Bifurcation Intervention: The LM V-RESOLVE Score

BackgroundThe risk of side-branch (SB) occlusion is pivotal for decision making of stenting strategies during unprotected left main (LM) bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Accordingly, this study aimed to develop a scoring system for predicting SB occlusion during unprotected LM bifurcation PCI. MethodsA total of 855 consecutive patients undergoing unprotected LM bifurcation PCI with provisional strategy at Fuwai Hospital from January 2014 to December 2016 were recruited. A prediction model was selected by means of all-subsets logistic regression, and a multivariable risk score (Left Main Visual Estimation for Risk Prediction of Side Branch Occlusion in Coronary Bifurcation Intervention [LM V-RESOLVE]) was then established with incremental weights attributed to each component variable based on its estimate coefficients. SB occlusion was defined as any decrease in Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade or absence of flow in SB after main vessel (MV) stenting. ResultsSB occlusion occurred in 19 LM bifurcation lesions (2.22%). In multivariable model, 3 variables, including MV/SB diameter ratio, MV plaque ipsilateral to SB, and baseline diameter stenosis of SB, were independent predictors for SB occlusion (model C-statistic 0.829, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.735-0.923, with good calibration). The risk score had a C-statistics of 0.830 (95% CI 0.738-0.923) with good calibration. Satisfactory discriminative ability of the risk score was also preserved in external validation (C-statistic 0.794, 95% CI 0.691-0.896). ConclusionsThe LM bifurcation–specific novel scoring system, LM V-RESOLVE, based on 3 simple baseline angiographic findings, could help to rapidly discriminate lesions at risk of SB occlusion during LM bifurcation PCI.

Coronary intravascular lithotripsy in contemporary practice: challenges and opportunities in coronary intervention.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of calcified coronary arteries is associated with poor outcomes. Poorly modified calcified lesion hinders the stent delivery, disrupts drug-carrying polymer, impairs drug elution kinetics and results in under-expanded stent (UES). UES is the most common cause of acute stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis after PCI of calcified lesions. Angiography has poor sensitivity for recognition and quantification of coronary calcium, thereby mandating the use of intravascular imaging. Intravascular imaging, like intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography, has the potential to accurately identify and quantify the coronary calcium and to guide appropriate modification device before stent placement. Available options for the modification of calcified plaque include modified balloons (cutting balloon, scoring balloon and high-pressure balloon), atherectomy devices (rotational atherectomy and orbital atherectomy) and laser atherectomy. Coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is the newest addition to the tool box for calcified plaque modification. It produces the acoustic shockwaves, which interact with the coronary calcium to cause multiplanar fractures. These calcium fractures increase the vessel compliance and result in desirable minimum stent areas. Coronary IVL has established its safety and efficacy for calcified lesion in series of Disrupt CAD trials. Its advantages over atherectomy devices include ease of use on workhorse wire, ability to modify deep calcium, no debris embolization causing slow flow or no-flow and minimal thermal injury. It is showing promising results in modification of difficult calcified lesion subsets such as calcified nodule, calcified left main bifurcation lesions and chronic total occlusion. In this review, authors will summarize the mechanism of action for IVL, its role in contemporary practice, evidence available for its use, its advantages over atherectomy devices and its imaging insight in different calcified lesion scenarios.

Proximal optimization technique and percutaneous coronary intervention for left main disease: POTENTIAL-LM.

Optimal stent deployment in left main (LM) bifurcation is paramount, and incomplete stent apposition may cause major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Bench studies show that the proximal optimization technique (POT) provides the best stent apposition. We aimed to investigate the impact of POT on clinical outcomes in patients treated for unprotected LM (ULM) disease at our institution. We identified 162 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ULM coronary disease in the Cardio-FR database. Out of these, 99 (61%) had undergone POT, while 63 patients were treated without POT. The primary outcome was the bifurcation-oriented composite endpoint (BOCE) of cardiac death, target-bifurcation myocardial infarction and target-bifurcation revascularization at maximal follow-up. Mean age was 76 years, and 69% presented with acute coronary syndrome. Mean follow-up was 2.25 years (822 days). The BOCE occurred in 43 (27%) of which 20 (20%) in the POT group and 23 (37%) in the no-POT group (p = 0.009). Cardiac death occurred in 15 (15%) patients in the POT- and 17 (27%) in no-POT group (p = 0.26). Target bifurcation revascularization occurred in 4 (4%) patients in the POT- and 6 (10%) patients in the no-POT group (p = 0.19). POT In the multivariate analysis, POT was the strongest parameter and was associated with BOCE, cardiac death, occurrence of any revascularization and all-cause mortality. The POT improves clinical outcomes. These findings strongly support the systematic use of POT in patients undergoing ULM-PCI.

Nailing the left anterior artery ostium in true 0,1,0 left main bifurcation disease and understanding its complication using optical coherence tomography.

Nailing the left anterior artery ostium in true 0,1,0 left main bifurcation disease and understanding its complication using optical coherence tomography.

Optimal Minimal Stent Area and Impact of Stent Underexpansion in Left Main Up-Front 2-Stent Strategy.

We previously reported the use of minimal stent area to predict angiographic in-stent restenosis after drug-eluting stent implantation for unprotected left main (LM) disease. We aimed to evaluate the optimal minimal stent area criteria for up-front LM 2-stenting based on long-term clinical outcomes. We identified 292 consecutive patients with LM bifurcation stenosis who were treated using the crush technique. The final minimal stent area was measured in the ostial left anterior descending artery (LAD), ostial left circumflex artery (LCX), and distal LM. The primary outcome was 5-year major adverse cardiac events, including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization. The minimal stent area cutoff values that best predicted the 5-year major adverse cardiac events were 11.8 mm2 for distal LM (area under the curve, 0.57; P=0.15), 8.3 mm2 for LAD ostium (area under the curve, 0.62; P=0.02), and 5.7 mm2 for LCX ostium (area under the curve, 0.64; P=0.01). Using these criteria, the risk of 5-year major adverse cardiac events was significantly associated with stent underexpansion in the LAD ostium (hazard ratio, 3.14; [95% CI, 1.23-8.06]; P=0.02) and LCX ostium (hazard ratio, 2.60 [95% CI, 1.11-6.07]; P=0.03) but not in the distal LM (hazard ratio, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.34-1.91]; P=0.63). Patients with stent underexpansion in both ostial LAD and LCX had a significantly higher rate of 5-year major adverse cardiac events than those with no or 1 underexpanded stent of either ostium (P<0.01). Stent underexpansion in the LAD and LCX ostium was significantly associated with long-term outcomes in patients who underwent up-front 2-stenting for LM bifurcation stenosis.

Prognostic Impact of a Routine Six-Month Exercise Stress Test after Complex Left Main Bifurcation Percutaneous Intervention.

The prognostic value of exercise stress test after complex left main (LM) coronary artery bifurcation (LM) stenting has been poorly investigated. To partially fill this gap in knowledge, we retrospectively analyzed the procedural and medical data of consecutive patients referred to our center for complex LM bifurcation disease between January 2008 and May 2018 who were treated using either single- or dual-stenting techniques. The prognostic impact of an exercise stress test, performed 6 months after the coronary intervention, was evaluated in 502 patients (316 males, mean age 70.3 ± 12.8 years, mean Syntax score 31.6 ± 6.3). At follow up after a mean of 37.1 ± 10.8 months (range 22.1-47.3 months), the target lesion failure (TLF) rate was 10.1% while stent thrombosis and cardiovascular mortality were 1.2 and 3.6%, respectively. A positive exercise stress test was detected at 6-month follow up in 42 out of 502 patients (8.4%); the incidence of a significant restenosis was 7.6% (n = 38). Patients with a negative exercise stress test at 6-month follow up had higher freedom from TLF and improved survival compared to those with a positive exercise stress test.

“Ischemia in Upstream Neighborhood” After Plaque Modification with Intravascular Lithotripsy

Coronary artery calcification impacts outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions owing to stent under expansion causing increased risk of stent thrombosis and restenosis. Therefore, adequate calcium modification before stent placement is the key to get desired outcomes in the patients with coronary artery calcification. Many devices are available for calcium modification, which includes orbital or rotational atherectomy, cutting balloon, scoring balloon, and intravascular lithotripsy. All these techniques have inherent risks of complications, such as coronary dissection, perforation, and slow or no reflow. We report a case of intravascular lithotripsy in calcified proximal left circumflex artery (LCX) lesion in a 63-year-old female leading to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) with no flow and ischemic ventricular tachycardia requiring DC cardioversion. Intravascular ultrasound from LAD revealed subintimal hematoma from ostium to mid LAD with intimal flap continuation into ostio-proximal LCX. The intimal flap in LAD has not showed any entry or exit tears which might increase the possibility of intramural hematoma shift to adjacent areas and branches leading to no reflow. Hence, cutting balloon fenestration of the intimal flap, followed by left main coronary artery bifurcation stenting was done to get a good result with flowing distal branches.

Left Main Bifurcation PCI in an Adult with Double Positive.

Left Main Bifurcation PCI in an Adult with Double Positive.

Optical Coherence Tomography Predictors of SIde Branch REstenosis after unprotected Left Main bifurcation angioplasty using double kissing crush technique (OP-SIBRE LM Study).

Among the two stent strategies, contemporary evidence favors double kissing crush technique (DKC) for complex unprotected distal left main bifurcation (UdLMB) lesions. However one of the major challenges to these lesions is side branch (SB) restenosis. Our aim was to identify optical coherence tomographic (OCT) characteristics that may predict SB restenosis (SBR) after UdLMB angioplasty using DKC technique. This was a single-center, retrospective study that included 60 patients with complex UdLMB disease, who underwent OCT-guided angioplasty using DKC technique. Angiographic follow-up was performed in all patients at 1 year to identify patients with SBR. Patients with SBR groupwere compared with patients without SBR(NSBR group) for OCT parameters during index procedure. Twelve (20%) patients developed SBRat 1-year follow-up. The SBR group had longer SB lesion (18.8 ± 3.2 vs. 15.3 ± 3.7 mm, p = 0.004) and neo-metallic carinal length (2.1vs. 0.1 mm, p < 0.001) when compared to the NSBR group. Longer neo-metallic carinal length was associated with the absence of the dumbbell sign, presence of hanging stent struts across the SB ostium on OCT of final MB pullback. On multivariate regression analysis, SB distal reference diameter (DRD) and SB stent expansion were identified as independent predictors of SBRwith SB-DRD of ≤2.8 mm (area under curve-0.73, sensitivity-83.3%, and specificity-62.5%) and SB stent expansion of ≤89% (area under curve-0.88, sensitivity-83.3%, andspecificity- 81.2%) as the best cut off values to predict SBR. SB DRD and SB stent expansion are the OCT predictors of future SBRafter UdLMB angioplasty using DKC technique.

Residence time in complex left main bifurcation disease after stenting

BackgroundData regarding the mean resident time (RT) after left main (LM) bifurcation stenting are scant. In the present study we performed a patient-specific computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis to investigate the different post-stenting mean RT values in LM patients treated with single-or double stenting techniques. MethodsPatients were identified after reviewing the local Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans database. Overall, 27 patients (mean age 65.5 ± 12.4, 21 males) [10 patients treated with provisional cross-over stenting, 7 with the double kissing crush (DK crush) and 10 with the nano-inverted T (NIT) technique, respectively] with isolated and significant LM bifurcation disease were analyzed. ResultsAfter LM bifurcation stenting, the NIT showed a higher averages WSS values at all bifurcation sites compared to DK crush and provisional cross-over stenting. Moreover, the mean RT resulted lower after NIT compared to provisional or DK crush. During the diastolic phase, the average RT of the entire LM bifurcation was 0.46 s, 0.38 s and 0.33 s after using the provisional stenting, DK crush and NIT, respectively. Moreover, the average RT in the LM bifurcation decreased by 17.1 % using the DK crush and by 28.2 % using the NIT compared to the Provisional. ConclusionThe present OCT-derived CFD analysis revealed that, in patients with complex bifurcation LM disease, the provisional approach resulted in lower WSS values, while double stenting techniques, especially the NIT technique, resulted in a marked reduction of average RT compared to the provisional approach. Condensed abstractIn the present study we performed a patient-specific Optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis to investigate the different post-stenting mean RT values in 27 patients treated with provisional cross-over stenting, DK crush and Nano-inverted-T (NIT) stenting. The NIT showed a higher averages WSS values at all bifurcation sites compared to DK crush and Provisional. The mean RT resulted lower in NIT compared to Provisional or DK crush. During the entire diastolic phase, the average RT of the entire LM bifurcation was 0.46 s, 0.38 s and 0.33 s after using the provisional stenting, DK crush and NIT, respectively. Moreover, the average RT in the entire LM bifurcation decreased by 17.1 % using the DK crush and by 28.2 % using the NIT compared to the Provisional.

Predictors of periprocedural myocardial infarction after left main bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention guided by optical coherence tomography imaging: the PREVENT study

Abstract Background PMI is one of the most common and relevant complications that occur after PCI, but it is still a matter of controversy. This clinical entity has been frequently correlated to peculiar plaque morphological features by several intravascular imaging studies. PCI of the LM coronary artery is a complex procedural setting, where the prognostic value of PMI is higher. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has a traditional predominance in the guidance of LM-PCI, but optical coherence tomography (OCT) outperforms IVUS in spatial resolution and has affirmed itself as a strong support to PCI. Purpose The aim of this study is to identify preprocedural and postprocedural optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings potentially related to periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for non-ostial left main (LM) bifurcation disease. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 76 patients who underwent OCT before and after LM-PCI. Definitions of OCT findings were derived from expert consensus documents and major OCT studies. PMI was defined in accordance with the Academic Research Consortium-2 (ARC-2) definition. Results The presence of TCFA was found to be an independent predictor of PMI, and coherently a significantly higher lipid core arc was observed in the PMI group. Mean stent area was the only post-PCI feature to result significantly higher in the PMI group. Conclusions We found the presence of TCFA at pre-PCI OCT was an independent predictor of PMI. A higher mean stent area at post-PCI OCT in patients who developed PMI may suggest that aggressive stent expansion could not always be the right choice in such a context.

Abstract 18897: Safety and Efficacy of Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Severely Calcified Left Main Stenosis

Introduction: Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy has been shown to be a safe and effective modality for the modification of non-left main calcific stenosis. This study was done to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IVL during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of severely calcified left main (LM) bifurcation disease. Methods: This was a prospective, single-arm observational study in which 22 patients with significant calcific LM bifurcation disease undergoing angioplasty were enrolled. Pre and Post-IVL Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was done in all patients as an imaging modality. The primary safety end-point was peri-procedure complications and freedom from major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiac death, non-fatal MI, and target vessel revascularization at 30 days, and the primary efficacy endpoint was stent expansion of more than 80% in stratified stented segment. The secondary efficacy endpoint was mean stent area more than the accepted target value of 5.0 mm 2 , 6.3 mm 2 , and 8.2 mm 2 for the ostial LCX, ostial LAD, and distal LM, respectively. Results: 15 (68.2%) patients underwent LM bifurcation angioplasty using provisional strategy and 7(31.81%) using upfront two stent strategy (DKC 22.7% &amp; TAP 9.1%). A total of 55 Ca lesions were modified using one IVL per patient with a mean size of 3.38 ± 0.40mm. Stent expansion at LM was 95.64±5.89%, left anterior descending (LAD) was 87.20±6.81% and left circumflex (LCx) was 85.56±5.89%. The primary efficacy endpoint of more than 80% stent expansion was noticed in all LM segments (22/22), 18/20 (90%) LAD segments, and 9/9 LCX segments. The primary safety endpoints were met in 21 (95.45%) patients undergoing IVL-assisted distal LM bifurcation angioplasty. Target MSAs were achieved in all 22 (100%) of all IVL-treated segments, and stent apposition was achieved in 21 (95%) of all stented segments. No perforation (0%) or slow/no flow (0%) were observed, while minor 3 (13.6%) and major dissections 3 (13.6%) were seen. None of the major dissections were flow-limiting. Conclusions: IVL appears to be a safe and effective device for percutaneous coronary intervention of severely calcific LM disease with a high success rate.

Abstract 16364: Presence of Ramus Intermedius Artery is Associated With Higher Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden in the Left Main Stem in Coronary CT Angiography

Introduction: Ramus intermedius (RI) is a variant vessel arising from left main (LM) bifurcation that supplies the lateral wall. It is thought that presence of RI would result in increased coronary turbulence in LM which in return could affect atherosclerotic plaque formation process. We aimed to investigate the association of presence of RI with presence of atherosclerotic plaque and stenosis in left main (LM). Hypothesis: Presence of RI artery associates with higher frequency of atherosclerotic plaque formation in LM Methods: We performed a large retrospective single-center study, including consecutive subjects who completed a CTA exam from October 2006 to December 2022 in Los Angeles, California to determine if presence of RI associated with higher LM coronary plaque burden. Chi-Square test was used to examine level of left main plaque burden and percent stenosis in subjects where the Ramus is present versus absent. Results: Among the 11,497 subjects, the average age was 62.0±12.4 years, 64% male, and 11% had the Ramus segment present. Those with a Ramus segment present were more likely to have mild, moderate or severe plaque burden (41% versus 26%, p=&lt;0.0001) in their left main. (Table 1). Additionally, subjects with RI has higher prevalence of any degree of LM stenosis compared to those without RI (P-Value&lt;0.0001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the presence of RI is associated with higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques and higher degree of stenosis in LM stem.

Abstract 15225: Hybrid Coronary Revascularization versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for True Left Main Bifurcation Lesions

Introduction: Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) is an alternative and feasible treatment for true left main bifurcation lesion. Aims: This study sought to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with true left main bifurcation lesions undergoing revascularization by HCR or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This was a propensity-matched cohort study. From March 1, 2010, to March 31, 2018, 40 consecutive patients with true left main bifurcation lesions underwent HCR at Fuwai Hospital. These patients were matched 1:1 to 40 contemporaneous patients who underwent PCI. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of cardiac mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat revascularization. Results: There were no differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. During a mean follow-up of 2 years, MACCE occurred in 12 patients (3 in the HCR group and 9 in the PCI group). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses indicated that the cumulative incidence of MACCE (log-rank test, p = 0.026) and repeat revascularization ( p = 0.011) in the HCR group were significantly lower than those in the PCI group. Conclusions: Compared with PCI, HCR demonstrated satisfactory mid-term outcomes in MACCE for true left main bifurcation lesions.

Long-Term Evaluation of Revascularization Strategies for Medina 0.1.0 Left Main Bifurcation Lesions: The LM-CROSSOVER Registry.

The present study aimed to compare long-term outcomes of patients with Medina 0.1.0 left main (LM) bifurcation lesions treated by crossover stenting (COS) versus accurate ostial stenting (AOS). A total of 229 consecutive eligible patients with Medina 0.1.0 LM bifurcation lesions were enrolled and were stratified according to the stenting techniques. The primary end-point was major cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE), defined as the combination of all-cause death, target vessel related-myocardial infarction (MI), clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR), stroke, or stent thrombosis. COS and AOS were applied to 78 (34%) and 151 (66%) patients, respectively. During a mean of 40.6 ± 21.1months of follow-up, the rate of MACCE (27.8 vs 12.8%; P=.007) was higher in patients treated with AOS than those treated with the COS technique, mainly driven by more frequent all-cause death (13.9 vs 3.8%, P = .013) and TLR (6.4 vs 15.9%; P = .029). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, AOS strategy was one of the independent predictors of MACCE (odds ratio: 2.166; 95% confidence interval, 1.080-4.340; P = .029). The current study suggests that COS was associated with a better long-term MACCE rate and lower all-cause mortality rate than AOS in patients with Medina 0.1.0 LM bifurcation disease.

Intravascular lithotripsy compared to rotational atherectomy for the treatment of calcified distal left main coronary artery disease: A single center experience.

The safety and efficacy of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) for the treatment of calcified distal left main (LM) disease remains unclear, especially compared to rotational atherectomy (RA). We retrospectively analyzed the baseline clinical, angiographic, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) characteristics and procedural outcomes of 107 patients who underwent distal LM percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with IVL (with or without adjunct atherectomy) versus RA alone for plaque modification before stenting at a single center between 2020 and 2022. A total of 50 patients underwent calcium modification with IVL with or without adjunct atherectomy and 57 with RA only. The mean age was 73 years and with a high prevalence of diabetes (58.9%), chronic kidney disease (42.1%), prior revascularization (coronary artery bypass graft surgery [36.4%] or prior PCI [32.7%]). Acute coronary syndrome was the primary indication for PCI in over 50% of the patients in both groups. Medina 1-1-1 LM bifurcation disease was identified in 64% and 60% of the IVL and RA groups (p = 0.64) respectively. Final minimum stent area in distal LM (>8.2 mm2 ), ostial LAD (>6.3 mm2 ) and ostial LCX (>5.0 mm2 ) were achieved in 96%, 85% and 89% of cases treated with IVL respectively and 93%, 93% and 100% of cases treated with RA respectively (LM p = 1.00; LAD p = 0.62; LCX; p = 1.00 for difference between the two groups). Procedural success (technical success without in-hospital major adverse events) was achieved in 98% of the IVL group and 86% of the RA-only group (p = 0.04). There were eight procedural complications (flow-limiting dissection, perforation, or slow/no-reflow) in the RA group compared to four in the IVL group (NS), and one patient in the RA required salvaged mechanical support compared to none in the IVL group. Plaque modification with coronary IVL appears to be efficacious and safe for the treatment of severely calcified distal LM lesions compared to RA only. Larger randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.