Proximal Optimization Technique Research Articles

OCT-guided left-main PCI, a retrospective single-center analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background It is known that PCI is associated with non-optimal stent implantation utilizing angiography for only left main lesions as well as for bifurcation lesions and is characterised by a high risk of adverse long-term effects. The use of OCT for the left main stent makes it easier to enhance the effective implantation of stents and enhance the results of patients. Methods A single-center randomised study was performed to demonstrate the benefit of stent implantation under OCT control in the left main bifurcation lesions compared to standard implantation under angiographic control. The follow-up period was 1 year, and the study included 68 patients with 1:1 randomization. The final composite points were: cardiac death, ischaemia, or myocardial infarction. All patients were elective, with moderate to high-functional class of angina pectoris. PCI was done using one or two stents, using OCT or without OCT to perform kissing dilation and proximal optimization technique. Results As a result of the data review of 68 patients with or without OCT using PCI of left main bifurcation lesions, the primary endpoint parameters in the non-OCT group were 17.8% and 6% for the OCT group. In 43.1 % of cases, a single-stent technique was used rather than a two-stent when using OCT. In the OCT group, additional stent optimisation is 40% more common. In 96.7 % of cases, a 9-month follow-up in the OCT group showed complete or partial endothelization of the stent struts, allowing earlier termination of DAPT, which is critical in patients at high risk for significant bleeding. Conclusions The perioperative results of PCI for left main bifurcation can be improved by the use of OCT using regulated factors for optimal stent implantation. As a result, in patients with atrial fibrillation and a high risk of painful bleeding, the long-term effects of treatment are increased , the time to take DAPT is decreased and the number of implantable stents is decreased, which is significant.

Practice Patterns in the Interventional Treatment of Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: A Global Survey.

The study aim was to assess current procedural strategies and perceptions for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) involving bifurcations. We distributed an online survey via email (8050 invitations) and social media. Among 440 responders, median annual PCI volumes were 15 cases (interquartile range [IQR], 10-29 cases) for left main (LM) and 50 cases (IQR, 27-73 cases) for non-LM (nLM) bifurcation lesions. Radial access use was reported in 51% of LM and 82% of nLM cases. An upfront 2-stent strategy, most commonly double-kissing (DK) crush, was reported in 49% of LM and 29% of nLM lesions. Bailout stenting during provisional stenting was reported in 26% of LM-PCIs, usually using the T and protrusion technique. In provisional stenting cases, most operators (<35%) did not report predilating the side branch, but routinely postdilated after successful provisional stenting (>85%), most often using both kissing-balloon inflation and the proximal optimization technique. Intravascular imaging was used in 80% of LM and 46% of nLM cases. Among the survey responders, the DK crush technique was the most frequently used 2-stent strategy for bifurcation PCIs. For LM lesions, bailout stenting was performed after provisional strategy in approximately 25% of cases. For nLM lesions, use of intravascular imaging and coronary physiology was lower than for LM lesions.

Practice Patterns in the Interventional Treatment of Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: A Global Survey.

The study aim was to assess current procedural strategies and perceptions for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) involving bifurcations. We distributed an online survey via email (8050 invitations) and social media. Among 440 responders, median annual PCI volumes were 15 cases (interquartile range [IQR], 10-29 cases) for left main (LM) and 50 cases (IQR, 27-73 cases) for non-LM (nLM) bifurcation lesions. Radial access use was reported in 51% of LM and 82% of nLM cases. An upfront 2-stent strategy, most commonly double-kissing (DK) crush, was reported in 49% of LM and 29% of nLM lesions. Bailout stenting during provisional stenting was reported in 26% of LM-PCIs, usually using the T and protrusion technique. In provisional stenting cases, most operators (<35%) did not report predilating the side branch, but routinely postdilated after successful provisional stenting (>85%), most often using both kissing-balloon inflation and the proximal optimization technique. Intravascular imaging was used in 80% of LM and 46% of nLM cases. Among the survey responders, the DK crush technique was the most frequently used 2-stent strategy for bifurcation PCIs. For LM lesions, bailout stenting was performed after provisional strategy in approximately 25% of cases. For nLM lesions, use of intravascular imaging and coronary physiology was lower than for LM lesions.

806 Scout post-PCI instantaneous wave-free ratio as a driver of functional complete

Abstract Aims Physiology assessment by means of instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) is non-inferior to fractional flow reserve for the assessment of intermediate coronary lesions that are candidates to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, in pivotal trials assessing iFR, tandem coronary lesions (i.e. two serial lesions located in the same coronary artery) were excluded. In addition, the role of iFR after PCI as a way to optimize its success is poorly understood, particularly in the context of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with multivessel disease and tandem stenoses. We describe an illustrative case of post-PCI iFR in a STEMI patient with multivessel disease that led to a significant change in the revascularization strategy. Methods A 71-year old man presented with infero-lateral STEMI and received PCI with 1 drug-eluting stent (DES) 2.25 × 18 mm on the distal right coronary artery. The left coronary artery presented a 30–40% stenosis of the proximal left circumflex (LCX) and a 90% bifurcation stenosis of the mid portion of the same artery. PCI of the distal lesion was performed with implantation of 1 DES 3.0 × 22 with flaring of the stent at the level of the side branch and proximal optimization technique. Post-PCI iFR of the LCX was performed to assess the success of the procedure, with a value of 0.74. To understand the relative contribution of the two tandem stenoses, a pullback of the iFR wire was performed, which showed an unexpectedly small jump of the pressure when the wire was between the two lesions (0.80). Results As such, the significant contribution of the proximal lesion was unravelled, which led to implantation of a second DES 4.0 × 26 mm, partially overlapping with the previously implanted DES. Post-PCI iFR confirmed the complete success of the procedure (1.00). Conclusions In the context of complete revascularization for STEMI presenting with non-infarct related artery tandem stenoses, post-PCI physiology contributes to unravel the relative contribution of low-grade angiographic stenoses corresponding to functionally significant atherosclerosis left untreated. This case example illustrates the emerging procedural value of post-PCI iFR in achieving the goal of complete functional revascularization.

736 Hazy spots: through the eye of optical coherence tomography

Abstract Aims Acute stent thrombosis after coronary artery stent placement is a rare but serious complication in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Stenting culprit lesions in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has higher risk of acute stent thrombosis than stable coronary artery disease, and many local and systemic factors may contribute to increase this risk. Tissue protrusion (TP), and in particular, plaque prolapse after PCI can play a role in acute stent thrombosis, and intra-vessel imaging is the principal instrument to identify such underlying lumen alteration after stent implantation, and guide intervention. Methods and results We report the case of a 54-year-old man with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity and no other relevant comorbidities in remote history, who underwent a coronary angiography for an unstable angina. A long, calcific sub-occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), which involved LAD-first diagonal branch (D1) bifurcation (Medina 1.1.1) and LAD-D2 bifurcation (Medina 1.1.0) was found. After deployment of two overlapping drug-eluting stents (DES), (ULTIMASTER TANSEI 3.0 × 38 mm and 3.0 × 21 mm) and struts apposition optimization with sequence of proximal optimization technique (POT) on D1 and D2, and a kissing balloon technique (KS) on LAD-D2 bifurcation, a ‘hazy’ in-stent image was detected right after the LAD-D2 bifurcation, suggesting an acute in-stent thrombosis, in absence of flow alteration (TIMI 3), symptoms or ECG modifications. Multiple thrombus-aspiration were made and resulted in abundant thrombus removal and improvement in the angiographic image, with persistent valid flow on every three vessels (TIMI 3). After 5 days of triple anticoagulant therapy with ticagrelor, cardioaspirin and UFH infusion, he underwent a new coronary angiography control. A similar ‘hazy’ image was detected right after LAD-D2 bifurcation within the LAD. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) pullback was made to assess the nature of the angiographic finding. OCT showed good struts apposition in almost every cross-sectional images, but an evident TP was detected right on the angiographic hazy spot. OCT allowed to evaluate the lipid-richness of the stented plaque and the nature of the TP, which was mixed with evident both white and red thrombus apposition (minimum luminal area measured 4.5 mm2). OCT guided a new PCI, with a stent-in-stent implantation on LAD. TP was absent on the post-PCI OCT run. Conclusions In this report, we showed the usefulness of OCT in revealing a potential high risk thrombogenic source. OCT not only characterized something that angiography alone couldn’t, but suggested the etiology of the amount of thrombus removed by the vessel during the first PCI. Indeed, despite an optimized cycle of anticoagulant therapy, OCT still revealed several mixed thrombus apposition on the TP, and this suggested its role in the acute stent thrombosis. OCT guided the choice to appose a new stent-in-stent to solve a potential thrombogenic source.

Clinical outcomes of the proximal optimisation technique (POT) in bifurcation stenting.

Optimal deployment of coronary stents in a bifurcation lesion remains a matter of debate. We sought to capture the daily practice of bifurcation stenting by means of a worldwide registry and to investigate how post-implantation deployment techniques influence clinical outcomes. Data from the e-ULTIMASTER registry were used to perform an analysis of 4,395 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcation lesions. Inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) propensity score methodology was used to adjust for any baseline differences. The primary outcome of interest was target lesion failure (TLF) at one year (follow-up rate 96.2%). The global one-year TLF rate was low (5.1%). The proximal optimisation technique (POT) was used in 33.9% of cases and was associated with a reduction in the adjusted TLF rate (4.0% [95% confidence interval: 3.0-5.1%] vs 6.0% [5.1-6.9%], p<0.01) due to a reduction of all components of this composite endpoint, except for cardiac death. Stent thrombosis was also positively impacted (0.4% [0.04-0.7%] vs 1.3% [0.8-1.7%], p<0.01). POT benefit was uniform across subgroups. Conversely, the use of the kissing balloon technique (36.5%) did not influence the adjusted TLF rate. Despite a low one-year failure rate in this large bifurcation stenting cohort, POT was associated with a further reduction in the event rate and a uniform benefit across subgroups, suggesting systematic use of this deployment technique regardless of the bifurcation anatomy and stenting technique.

TCT-98 Effect of Appropriateness of Proximal Optimization Technique on Coronary Bifurcation Stent Failure: Insight From the Multicenter Randomized PROPOT Trial

TCT-98 Effect of Appropriateness of Proximal Optimization Technique on Coronary Bifurcation Stent Failure: Insight From the Multicenter Randomized PROPOT Trial

Feasibility, safety and long term outcomes of complex left main bifurcation treatment using the nano inverted t stenting: a multicentre registry

Abstract Background The role of double stenting techniques in distal bifurcation left main (LM) disease has gaining interest over the latest years. Purpose We present the 3-year multicentre registry outcomes of dual stenting using ultra-thin strut stents and the Nano Inverted-T (NIT) technique in complex unprotected true LM bifurcation disease. Methods We analysed the procedural and medical data of consecutive patients enrolled between 1st January 2014 and 1st December 2019 in a multicentre registry for complex LM bifurcation disease treated with the double stenting technique called NIT due contraindications and/or refusal to surgical treatment. Target lesion failure (TLF) was defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, target-vessel MI (TVMI) and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). Results Among two hundred-ninety-five patients (138 males, mean age 70.3±12.8 years), post-operative success was achieved in 100% of cases. Contrast volume, procedural time, and radiation exposure were 139.2±23.4 ml, 15.3±4.9 min, and 1080±1034 cGy/m2 (Figure), respectively. At a mean follow-up of 39.5±0.6 months TLF rate was 6.1% (n=18) while TLR and cardiovascular mortality rates were 3.0 (n=9) and 2.6% (n=8), respectively. Clinically driven angiographic follow-up was available in 26.4% of patients at a mean time from the procedure of 7.5±0.4 months. Clinically restenosis rate was 3.3%. Conclusions Revascularization of complex LM bifurcation disease using the NIT double stenting technique resulted feasible and safe with a low incidence of TLF, excellent survival rate and no stent thrombosis. Figure 1.The NIT technique is based on the use of ultra-thin strut (≤80 micron) stents and double stenting starting with side branch stenting frst. The side branch stent is precisely positioned with one possibly only strut protruding into the main vessel which is balloon crushed before the implantation of the main branch stenting. The Proximal optimization technique (POT)–snuggle kissing–POT sequence is mandatory to ensure the coverage of the side branch ostium by both side branch and main branch stents. Snuggle kissing was performed placing the LCX balloon with the proximal marker at the middle rather than at the proximal marker of the LM-LAD balloon, in order to minimize the elliptical deformation of the LM stent. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Single stenting versus double stenting technique in true bifurcation coronary lesions

Abstract Introduction The ideal treatment technique for coronary bifurcation lesions remains unknown. Although single-stenting strategy has been recommended by default, little evidence exists regarding clinical outcomes between single versus double-stenting in current practice. Purpose To compare procedural details and clinical outcomes between single vs double-stenting techniques in true bifurcation coronary lesions. Methods Retrospective study of all patients (pts) referred for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of true bifurcation lesions between June 2018 and June 2020. Only Medina X,X,1 lesions were included. Pts were split in 2 groups: group 1 (single-stenting) and group 2 (double-stenting). Procedural details and clinical outcomes were assessed. Acute and long-term adverse events included procedural complications (a composite outcome of side branch occlusion, coronary iatrogenic dissection and type 4 acute myocardial infarction (AMI)) and a composite of cardiovascular death, AMI, stroke, re-restenosis and reintervention, respectively. Results A total of 118 pts were included, 74,6% male, mean age of 66,4±11 years. Ninety-five pts (80,5%) were treated with single-stenting (G1) and 23 pts (19,5%) with double-stenting technique (G2). Both groups were well matched regarding baseline characteristics and clinical presentation. T and protrusion (TAP) and minicrush were the most frequent double-stenting techniques (43,5% and 21,7%). G2 lesions mainly involved the left main (LM) and proximal left anterior descendent artery (LAD) (52,2%) and in G1 mid LAD (34,7%). LM lesions were more common in G2 (26,1% vs 8,4%; p=0,030). G1 had more lesions Medina 1,1,1 (75,8% vs 52,2%; p=0,025) and less Medina 0,1,1 (9,5% vs 30,4%; p=0,015). Proximal optimization technique and kissing balloon occurred more in G2 (p&amp;lt;0,05). G2 had more intravascular ultrasound guided PCI (p=0,046). Femoral access, heparin, contrast and radiation dose, and fluoroscopy time were higher in G2 (p&amp;lt;0,05). Acute adverse composite outcome was similar in both groups (G1 13% vs G2 14,3%; p=0,855). Median follow-up was similar (G1 16,8±7,9 and G2 19,7±8,8 months; p=0,127). G1 had less occurrence of long-term adverse composite outcome (7,4% vs 26,3%; p=0,032). Excluding interventions in LM, G2 had more significant incidence of acute events (20% vs 2,6%; p=0,028), and higher rate of long-term adverse events (20% vs 4,2%; p=0,056). In interventions of the LM only, no differences were noticed in acute and long-term composite events between groups. Conclusions Double-stenting techniques in true coronary bifurcation lesions included more often LM lesions and were complex procedures requiring frequently intracoronary imaging. Although acute adverse events were similar to those of single-stenting, long-term adverse outcomes were more frequent in double-stent group, except for LM lesions. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Proximal optimisation technique versus final kissing balloon inflation in coronary bifurcation lesions: the randomised, multicentre PROPOT trial.

Clinical implications of the proximal optimisation technique (POT) for bifurcation lesions have not been investigated in a randomised controlled trial. This study aimed to investigate whether POT is superior in terms of stent apposition compared with the conventional kissing balloon technique (KBT) in real-life bifurcation lesions using optical coherence tomography (OCT). A total of 120 patients from 15 centres were randomised into two groups - POT followed by side branch dilation or KBT. Finally, 57 and 58 patients in the POT and KBT groups, respectively, were analysed. OCT was performed at baseline, immediately after wire recrossing to the side branch, and at the final procedure. The primary endpoint was the rate of malapposed struts assessed by the final OCT. The rate of malapposed struts did not differ between the POT and KBT groups (in-stent proximal site: 10.4% vs 7.7%, p=0.33; bifurcation core: 1.4% vs 1.1%, p=0.67; core's distal edge: 6.2% vs 5.3%, p=0.59). More additional treatments were required among the POT group (40.4% vs 6.9%, p<0.01). At one-year follow-up, only one patient in each group underwent target lesion revascularisation (2.0% vs 1.9%). POT followed by side branch dilation did not show any advantages over conventional KBT in terms of stent apposition; however, excellent midterm clinical outcomes were observed in both strategies.

The importance of proximal optimization technique with intravascular imaging guided for stenting unprotected left main distal bifurcation lesions: The Milan and New-Tokyo registry.

This study evaluated the 5-years outcomes of intracoronary imaging-guided proximal optimization technique (POT) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with unprotected left main distal bifurcation lesions (ULMD). The long-term effects of POT with intracoronary imaging guide in PCI for ULMD have been unclear. Between January 2005 and December 2015, we identified 1832 consecutive patients who underwent DES implantation for ULM distal bifurcation lesions. Of them, 780 (56.1%) patients underwent POT with intravascular imaging guidance (optimal expansion group). Residual 611 (43.9%) patients did not undergo either POT or intravascular imaging or both (suboptimal expansion group). Analysis using propensity score adjustment was performed. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF) defined as a composite of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and myocardial infarction. TLF rate at 5 years was significantly lower in optimal expansion group than that in suboptimal expansion group [adjusted HR 0.65, 95% CI (0.48-0.87), p= 0.004]. Cardiac mortality was significantly lower in optimal expansion group than that in suboptimal expansion group [adjusted HR 0.46, 95% CI (0.27-0.79), p= 0.004]. The multivariable analysis identified POT with intravascular imaging guide [adjusted HR 0.65, 95% CI (0.48-0.87), p= 0.004] as an independent predictor of TLF. Intravascular imaging guided POT was strongly associated with the reduced risk of TLF at 5 years after PCI for ULMD, mainly driven by reducing cardiac mortality.

Proximal Optimization Technique Facilitates Wire Entry Into Stumpless Chronic Total Occlusion of Side Branch.

Proximal Optimization Technique Facilitates Wire Entry Into Stumpless Chronic Total Occlusion of Side Branch.

Influence of balloon location during proximal optimization technique (POT): A finite element analysis

Proximal Optimization Technique (POT)is a post-expansion technique that must be completed after single-stent implantation for the coronary bifurcation. The optimal location for the distal balloon shoulder during POT remains debatable. In the present study, the finite element method is applied to simulate POT after single-stent implantation in the coronary bifurcation. Three different balloon locations based on the distal shoulder relative to the carina cut plane were analyzed: 1) “proximal”:1mm before carina cut plane; 2) “standard”: at the carina cut plane; and 3) “distal”: 1 mm after the carina cut plane. The computational results showed differences in stent, vessel morphology, and vessel wall stress due to the different balloon locations. However, when distal balloon shoulder was located between two adjacent stent rings, it formed the distal cell of the stent, the best stent apposition, least stent structs obstruction at SB ostial. Moreover, best opening effect of distal cell of the stent can be achieved, with the least damage to the vessel wall.

Feasibility and efficacy of an ultra-short side branch-dedicated balloon in coronary bifurcation stenting.

Side branch (SB) dilation with an ultra-short balloon after main vessel (MV) stenting may minimise stent failure in coronary bifurcation lesions. We sought to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of the Glider balloon (GB), a side branch (SB)-dedicated balloon 4 mm in length, in coronary bifurcation stenting. In bench testing, stent configuration was examined with micro-focus computed tomography after crossover stenting followed by GB dilation or kissing balloon inflation (KBI). In the clinical study we performed GB dilatation after MV stenting for 207 lesions in 194 patients. Failure of the GB dilation and additional procedures due to inducible stent failure were investigated as well as adverse cardiac events at 1-year follow-up. In bench testing GB dilation maintained cross-sectional stent area without significant deformation and presented effective jailed strut removal in a high-angled bifurcation model. In the clinical study the cohort included left main, true bifurcation lesion, and two-stent treatment in 42.0%, 45.9%, and 14.0%, respectively. The proximal optimisation technique (POT) or POT-like inflation was performed in 82.1%. GB crossing failure, SB stenting due to dissection, and stent deformation requiring correction by KBI or MV dilation occurred in 8.7%, 1.4%, and 5.8%, respectively. Finally, simple GB dilation without KBI was completed in 91.8% for SB dilation. At one-year follow-up, target lesion revascularisation, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis were found in 7.2%, 2.1%, 2.1%, and 1.0%, respectively. Simple GB dilation after adequate expansion of the proximal MV stent provided acceptable acute and long-term results as an alternative to KBI.

Double kissing inflation outside the stent secures the patency of small side branch without rewiring

BackgroundThe jailed balloon technique is widely used for coronary bifurcation lesions, but a residual risk of SB occlusion remains, necessitating SB rewiring and further interventions, including balloon inflation or stenting, which may result in failure and SB loss. This study introduced a novel modified technique of small side branch (SB) protection, namely, double kissing inflation outside the stent (DKo) technique, for coronary bifurcations without the need for SB rewiring.MethodsWe performed the DKo technique in consecutive patients in our center from 1/2019 to 12/2019. The procedure was as follows. We inserted a guide wire into both branches followed by proper preparation. The SB balloon was simultaneously inflated with main vessel (MV) stenting. The SB balloon remained in situ until it was kissing inflated with postdilation of the bifurcation core, which is different from traditional strategies. The proximal optimization technique was performed with a short noncompliant balloon strictly not exceeding the bifurcation. Rates of SB loss and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated.ResultsThe technique was successfully performed in all 117 enrolled patients without any rewiring or SB loss. The mean lesion lengths of the MV and SB were 38.3 ± 19.9 mm and 11.7 ± 7.1 mm, respectively. On average, 1.5 ± 0.6 stents were used per patient, while the mean pressure of the SB balloon was 7.4 ± 3.1 atm. DKo achieved excellent procedural success in the proximal and distal MVs: increased minimal lumen diameter (0.64 ± 0.58 mm to 3.05 ± 0.38 mm, p < 0.001; 0.57 ± 0.63 mm to 2.67 ± 0.35 mm, p < 0.001) and low residual stenosis (11.4 ± 3.4%; 7.2 ± 4.6%). DKo secured the patency of the SB without any rewiring and improved the SB stenosis with minimal lumen diameter (0.59 ± 0.48 mm to 1.20 ± 0.42 mm, p < 0.001) and stenosis (71.9 ± 19.4% to 42.2 ± 14.0%, p < 0.001). No MACE was noted in the hospital.ConclusionsDKo for bifurcation lesions was shown to be acceptable with high procedural success and excellent SB protection.

Under-deployment of extra-large drug-eluting stent: an adapted provisional technique for selected patients with distal lesions in large left main.

In provisional technique, main vessel (MV) drug-eluting stent (DES) diameter is usually selected according to distal MV to reduce carina shift. Proximal optimization technique (POT) is used to expand the DES in the proximal MV. Occasionally, the size discrepancy between left main (LM) and left anterior descending artery (LAD) may be huge and this may cause stent malapposition and poor vessel wall coverage in large-sized LM. Recently, some manufactures designed extra-large DES to treat large vessels. We developed an "adapted" provisional strategy based on under-deployment of extra-large DES in case of major size mismatch between LM and proximal LAD. Bench tests were realized in appropriately designed LM bifurcation model using an extra-large DES (Onyx XL, Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA, USA). This technique was adopted when such "rare" anatomy was found in our clinical practice. At bench test, Onyx XL 4.5 mm stent reaches 3.8 mm at 5-6 atmospheres, with favorable stent deformation achieved after POT, kissing balloon and re-POT. This technique was performed in 10 patients undergoing unprotected LM stenting with large LM and major mismatch toward LAD. Angiographic success was achieved in all cases and optical coherence tomography assessment was performed in 5 patients revealing optimal stent result. After a follow-up of 557 days (range: 90-1369 days), clinical course was uneventful in all treated patients. Under-deployment of extra-large DES is a technical option that can be considered to optimize the provisional stenting technique in selected patients with major diameter mismatch between large-sized LM and LAD.

Difference in basic concept of coronary bifurcation intervention between Korea and Japan. Insight from questionnaire in experts of Korean and Japanese bifurcation clubs

The coronary bifurcation intervention varies among countries due to the differences in assessment of lesion severity and treatment devices. We sought to clarify the difference in basic strategy between South Korea and Japan. A total of 19 and 32 experts from Korean (KBC) and Japanese Bifurcation Clubs (JBC), respectively, answered a survey questionnaire concerning their usual procedure of coronary bifurcation intervention. JBC experts performed less two-stent deployment in the left main (LM) bifurcation compared to KBC experts (JBC vs. KBC: median, 1–10% vs. 21–30%, p < 0.0001) instead of higher performance of side branch dilation after cross-over stenting in both LM (60% vs. 21%, p = 0.001) and non-LM bifurcations (30% vs. 5%, p = 0.037). KBC experts more frequently performed proximal optimization technique (POT) in non-LM bifurcation (41–60% vs. 81–99%, p = 0.028) and re-POT in both LM (1–20% vs. 81–99%, p = 0.017) and non-LM bifurcations (1–20% vs. 81–99%, p = 0.0003). JBC experts more frequently performed imaging-guided percutaneous coronary intervention, whereas KBC experts more often used a pressure wire to assess side branch ischemia. JBC experts used a rotablator more aggressively under the guidance of optical coherence tomography. We clarified the difference in the basic strategy of coronary bifurcation intervention between South Korea and Japan for better understanding the trend in each country.

Three-dimensional optical coherence tomography versus intravascular ultrasound in percutaneous coronary intervention for the left main coronary artery.

We aimed to compare the intravascular imaging findings, and clinical outcomes between three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT)- and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the left main coronary artery (LMCA). We enrolled 331 patients underwent OCT- or IVUS-guide single crossover stenting across the side branch (SB) and subsequent kissing balloon inflation (KBT) for LMCA bifurcation. Primary endpoint was defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization. Of 331 patients, 58 patients (17.5%) underwent OCT-guide PCI. OCT-guide PCI associated with higher frequency of proximal optimization technique (POT) (98.3% vs 85.3%, P = 0.013) and smaller balloon size of POT (4.29 ± 0.44mm vs 4.43 ± 0.42, P = 0.02) than IVUS-guide PCI. Although maximal stent area at LMCA and minimal stent area at main vessel were significantly smaller in OCT-guide PCI in intravascular imaging (P = 0.01, and P = 0.002, respectively), the restenosis rate at follow-up angiography was comparable in both groups (15.2% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.387). Cumulative rate of primary endpoint was not significantly different between 2 groups both before and after propensity score adjustment (7.0% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.98 and 2.6% vs. 7.3%, P = 0.18). In conclusion, the clinical outcomes at 1year were comparable, suggesting OCT- and IVUS-guided PCI for LMCA were similarly feasible. The balloon size of POT in OCT-guide PCI might be influenced by the limited visibility in the proximal LMCA.

A Randomized Trial Evaluating Online 3-Dimensional Optical Frequency Domain Imaging-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Bifurcation Lesions.

Clinical implications of online 3-dimensional optical frequency domain imaging (3D-OFDI)-guided stenting for bifurcation lesions have not been investigated in the randomized controlled trials. The purpose of this study was to determine whether online 3D-OFDI-guided stenting is superior to angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in terms of incomplete stent apposition at the bifurcation segment. The OPTIMUM trial (Online 3-Dimensional Optical Frequency Domain Imaging to Optimize Bifurcation Stenting Using UltiMaster Stent) was a randomized, multicenter clinical trial. Eligible patients had an angiographically significant stenosis in the bifurcation lesion treated with a provisional single stent strategy using the Ultimaster sirolimus eluting stent. Patients were randomly allocated to either online 3D-OFDI-guided or angiography-guided PCI. Patients randomized to 3D-OFDI guidance underwent online 3D-OFDI assessment after rewiring into the jailed side branch after stenting and proximal optimization technique, while in the angiography guidance arm, rewiring was performed using conventional fluoroscopic/angiographic guidance. The primary end point of this trial was the postprocedural average percentage of malapposed struts per lesion assessed by OFDI in the confluence zone of the main and side branches. Between June 8, 2017 and September 26, 2018, 110 patients with 111 bifurcation lesions were randomized at 4 Japanese centers. Of these, 56 patients with 57 lesions were treated with 3D-OFDI-guided PCI, whereas 54 patients with 54 lesions were treated with angiography-guided PCI. In the 3D-OFDI guidance arm, the feasibility of online 3D-OFDI was 98.2%. The average percentage of incomplete stent apposition per lesion at bifurcation was lower in the 3D-OFDI guidance arm than that in the angiography guidance arm (19.5±15.8% versus 27.5±14.2%, P=0.008). The superiority of the 3D-OFDI guidance arm was also confirmed in the strut level analysis (odds ratio: 0.54 [95% CI, 0.36-0.81]; P=0.003). Online 3D-OFDI-guided bifurcation PCI was superior to angiography-guided bifurcation PCI in terms of acute incomplete stent apposition at bifurcation. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02972489.

Szabo 2-stent technique for coronary bifurcation lesions: procedural and short-term outcomes

BackgroundProvisional 1-stent technique is currently regarded as the default approach for the majority of bifurcation lesions. Nonetheless, 2-stent techniques may be required for complex bifurcations with high compromise risk or fatal consequences of side branch (SB) occlusion. Limitations exist in current approaches, as stents gap, multiple metal layers and stent malapposition caused by imprecise placement with fluoroscopic guide and intrinsic technical defects. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of the novel Szabo 2-stent technique for coronary bifurcation lesions.MethodsIn the Szabo 2-stent technique, one stent is precisely implanted at the SB ostium with Szabo technique resulting in a single strut protruding into the main vessel (MV). After MV rewiring and SB guidewire withdrawal, another stent is implanted in MV followed by proximal optimization technique, SB rewiring, and final kissing inflation (FKI).ResultsThe technique tested successfully in silicone tubes (n = 9) with: procedure duration, 31.2 ± 6.8 min; MV and SB rewiring time, 26.8 ± 11.2 s and 33.3 ± 15 s; easy FKI; and 2.3 ± 0.5 balloons/procedure. Bifurcation lesions (n = 22) were treated with angiographic success in MV and SB, respectively: increased minimal lumen diameter (0.63 ± 0.32 mm to 3.20 ± 0.35 mm; 0.49 ± 0.37 mm to 2.67 ± 0.25 mm); low residual stenosis (12.4 ± 2.4%; 12.4 ± 2.3%); and intravascular ultrasound confirmed (n = 19) full coverage; minimal overlap and malapposition; minimal lumen area (2.4 ± 1.2 mm2; 2.1 ± 1.0 mm2); plaque burden (78.1 ± 11.3%; 71.6 ± 15.5%); and minimal stent area (9.1 ± 1.6 mm2; 6.1 ± 1.3 mm2). Periprocedural cardiac troponin increased in 1 asymptomatic patient without electrocardiographic change. There was no target lesion failure (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization) at 6-month follow-up.ConclusionsThe Szabo 2-stent technique for bifurcation lesions provided acceptable safety and efficacy at short-term follow-up.