Side Branch Compromise Research Articles

Clinical outcomes of single- versus two-stent PCI technique in severely calcified true bifurcation lesions after rotational atherectomy.

Severely calcified coronary bifurcations complicate percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and often necessitate dedicated lesion preparation. We compared the outcomes of single- versus two-stent techniques for treating heavily calcified true bifurcation lesions following rotational atherectomy (RA). Among patients receiving RA for severely calcified true bifurcations at a single center, 59 were treated with a single stent, and another 59 received two stents. We analyzed in-hospital adverse outcomes and 1-year rates of the bifurcation-oriented composite endpoint (BOCE), defined as cardiac death, target bifurcation myocardial infarction (TB-MI), or target bifurcation revascularization (TBR). The single-stent arm was associated with more in-hospital adverse outcomes (adj. OR, 6.13; 95% CI, 1.34-28.0; p = 0.019), driven by higher peri-procedural MI rates (18.6% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.043) and more side branch compromise (13.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.006). After 1year, both techniques had comparable 1-year BOCE (adj. HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.12-1.23; p = 0.106). We observed a significant interaction between the treatment technique and the presence of LM bifurcation (p interaction = 0.012), favoring single-stent technique in patients with non-LM bifurcations (HR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.68; p = 0.015). Notably, the single-stent technique had lower rates of TBR (2% vs. 15%, p log-rank = 0.026) after 1year. Patients with severely calcified true bifurcation lesions, treated with RA followed by a single stent implantation, had more in-hospital adverse outcomes compared to those treated with two stents. However, the superior outcomes of the two-stent technique did not translate into improved long-term results. In fact, the two-stent technique was even associated with higher rates of revascularization after 1year.

“SKS is not dead” - A Case Report Of Dual Stenting Technique in the Management of a Complex Coronary Bifurcation Lesion During ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Introduction Cardiac interventions in the setting of a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) often require complex decision-making, especially when confronted with coronary bifurcation lesions. Although provisional stenting is the first choice regarding revascularization, bailout or upfront two stents may be required. Case presentation We present the case of a 53-year-old male patient with a history of arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes who presented to our emergency department with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction associated with inferior and posterior wall involvement. The patient’s coronary angiogram revealed a thrombotic occlusion in the second segment of the right coronary artery. A dual stenting technique was employed using simultaneous kissing stents to address this complex coronary bifurcation lesion. Six months follow up with coronary angiography and optical coherence tomography demonstrated functional neo carina with no malapposition and successful endothelialization of two stents. Conclusions In our case, the simultaneous kissing stents approach was deemed appropriate due to the presence of a thrombotic bifurcation lesion involving both the posterior descending artery and retro posterior branch, while minimizing the risk of side branch compromise.

Risk Assessment of Side Branch Compromise After Coronary Bifurcation Stenting - A Substudy of the 3D-OCT Bifurcation Registry.

Side branch (SB) occlusion during bifurcation stenting is a serious complication. This study aimed to predict SB compromise (SBC) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Among the 168 patients who enrolled in the 3D-OCT Bifurcation Registry, 111 bifurcation lesions were analyzed to develop an OCT risk score for predicting SBC. SBC was defined as worsening of angiographic SB ostial stenosis (≥90%) immediately after stenting. On the basis of OCT before stenting, geometric parameters (SB diameter [SBd], length from proximal branching point to carina tip [BP-CT length], and distance of the polygon of confluence [dPOC]) and 3-dimensional bifurcation types (parallel or perpendicular) were evaluated. SBC occurred in 36 (32%) lesions. The parallel-type bifurcation was significantly more frequent in lesions with SBC. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated SBd ≤1.77 mm (area under the curve [AUC]=0.73, sensitivity 64%, specificity 75%), BP-CT length ≤1.8 mm (AUC=0.83, sensitivity 86%, specificity 68%), and dPOC ≤3.96 mm (AUC=0.68, sensitivity 63%, specificity 69%) as the best cut-off values for predicting SBC. To create the OCT risk score, we assigned 1 point to each of these factors. As the score increased, the frequency of SBC increased significantly (Score 0, 0%; Score 1, 8.7%; Score 2, 28%; Score 3, 58%; Score 4, 85%; P<0.0001). Prediction of SBC using OCT is feasible with high probability.

Impact of Using a Scoring Balloon for Main Branch Predilatation on the Incidence of Side Branch Compromise in Bifurcation Lesion PCI

Impact of Using a Scoring Balloon for Main Branch Predilatation on the Incidence of Side Branch Compromise in Bifurcation Lesion PCI

Association between post-procedural and long-term functional outcomes of jailed side branches in stented coronary bifurcation lesions assessed with side-branch murray law-based quantitative flow ratio

Abstract Background In coronary bifurcation lesions treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a 1-stent strategy, the occurrence of side branch (SB) compromise may lead to long-term myocardial ischemia in the SB territory. Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio (μQFR) is a novel angiography-based approach estimating fractional flow reserve from a single angiographic view, and thus more feasible to assess SB compromise in routine practice. However, its association with long-term SB coronary blood flow remained unknown. Aim To explore the association between post-procedural SB μQFR and long term SB coronary blood flow in non-left main (LM) coronary bifurcation lesions receiving 1-stent strategy. Methods A total of 146 patients with 313 non-LM bifurcation lesions receiving 1-stent strategy with drug-eluting stents was included in this retrospective study. These lesions had post-procedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 in SBs, and documented angiographic images of index procedure and 6- to 24-month angiographic follow-up. The post-procedural SB μQFR was calculated. Long-term SB coronary blood flow was quantified with the TIMI grading system using angiograms acquired at angiographic follow-up. Results At follow-up, 8 (2.6%), 16 (5.1%), 61 (19.5%), and 228 (72.8%) SBs had a TIMI flow grade of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The incidences of SB TIMI flow grade &amp;lt;2 and &amp;lt;3 at follow-up both tended to decrease across the tertiles of post-procedural SB μQFR (TIMI flow grade &amp;lt;2: P=0.086; TIMI flow grade &amp;lt;3: P=0.052). In the multivariable logistic regression models, post-procedural SB μQFR was independently associated with SB TIMI flow grade &amp;lt;2 and &amp;lt;3 at follow-up, respectively (all P&amp;lt;0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that the area under the curve of post-procedural SB μQFR to identify SB TIMI flow grade &amp;lt;2 at follow-up was 0.6673 (95% CI, 0.5610-0.7737; P=0.0064), and the QFR limits to yield specificity and sensitivity &amp;gt;80% were 0.79 and 0.90, respectively. Conclusions Post-procedural SB μQFR in non-LM bifurcation stenoses was independently associated with impaired long-term SB coronary blood flow. Further investigations should focus on whether PCI optimization based on μQFR may contribute to improve SB flow in the long term.

Multislice computerized tomography coronary angiography can be a comparable tool to intravascular ultrasound in evaluating "true" coronary artery bifurcations.

Coronary bifurcation atherosclerosis depends on its angles, flow, and extensive branching. We investigate the ability of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) to determine atherosclerotic plaque characteristics of "true" bifurcation compared with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and the influence on side branch (SB) fate after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study included 70 patients with 72 "true" bifurcations. Most of the bifurcations were in the left anterior descending-diagonal (Dg) territory [50 out of 72 (69.4%)]. Longitudinal plaque evaluation at the polygon of confluence [carina and 5 mm proximal and distal in the main branch (MB)] showed that carina side MB and SB plaque had occurred with the lowest incidence with fibro-lipid structure (115 ± 63 HU and 89 ± 73 HU, p < 0.001 for all). Bland-Altman analysis showed a discrepancy in measuring mainly the lumen area between CTCA and IVUS in proximal MB [lumen 5.10, 95% CI (95% confidence interval, 4.53-5.68) mm2, p < 0.001; vessel -1.42, 95% CI (-2.63 to -0.21) mm2, p = 0.023], carina MB [lumen 3.74, 95% CI (3.37-4.10) mm2, p < 0.001; vessel -0.48, 95% CI (-1.45 to 0.48) mm2, p = 0.322], and distal MB [lumen 4.72, 95% CI (4.27-5.18) mm2, p < 0.001; vessel 0.62, 95% CI (-0.53 to 1.77) mm2, p = 0.283]. A significant correlation existed between average plaque density on CTCA with a percentage of calcified plaque on IVUS tissue characterization (proximal r = 0.307/p = 0.024, carina 0.469/0.008, distal 0.339/0.024, minimal lumen diameter 0.318/0.020). Circumferential plaque in the proximal MB segment remained an independent predictor of SB compromise [OR 3.962 (95% CI 1.170-13.418)]. Detection and characterization of atherosclerotic plaque by CTCA in non-left main "true" coronary bifurcations can provide useful information about bifurcation anatomy and plaque distribution that can predict outcomes after provisional stenting, thus guiding the interventional strategy to bifurcation PCI.

Post-procedural and long-term functional outcomes of jailed side branches in stented coronary bifurcation lesions assessed with side branch Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio.

In coronary bifurcation lesions treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a 1-stent strategy, the occurrence of side branch (SB) compromise may lead to long-term myocardial ischemia in the SB territory. Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio (μQFR) is a novel angiography-based approach estimating fractional flow reserve from a single angiographic view, and thus is more feasible to assess SB compromise in routine practice. However, its association with long-term SB coronary blood flow remains unknown. A total of 146 patients with 313 non-left main bifurcation lesions receiving 1-stent strategy with drug-eluting stents was included in this retrospective study. These lesions had post-procedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 in SBs, and documented angiographic images of index procedure and 6- to 24-month angiographic follow-up. Post-procedural SB μQFR was calculated. Long-term SB coronary blood flow was quantified with the TIMI grading system using angiograms acquired at angiographic follow-up. At follow-up, 8 (2.6%), 16 (5.1%), 61 (19.5%), and 228 (72.8%) SBs had a TIMI flow grade of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The incidences of long-term SB TIMI flow grade ≤1 and ≤2 both tended to decrease across the tertiles of post-procedural SB μQFR. The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated the post-procedural SB μQFR ≤0.77 was the optimal cut-off value to identify long-term SB TIMI flow grade ≤1 (specificity, 37.50%; sensitivity, 87.20%; area under the curve, 0.6673; P = 0.0064), and it was independently associated with 2.57-fold increased risk (adjusted OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.02-7.25; P = 0.045) in long-term SB TIMI flow grade ≤1 after adjustment. Post-procedural SB μQFR was independently associated with increased risk in impaired SB TIMI flow at long-term follow-up. Further investigations should focus on whether PCI optimization based on μQFR may contribute to improve SB flow in the long term.

The Degree of Stent Apposition Measured by Stent Enhancement at the Level of the Side Branch as a Novel Predictor of Procedural Success in Left Main PCI.

Stent enhancement techniques allow adequate visualization of stent deformation or incomplete stent expansion at the ostium of the side branch. Measuring the stent enhancement side branch length (SESBL) could reflect procedural success in terms of optimal stent expansion and apposition with better long-term outcomes. A longer SESBL may reflect a better stent apposition at the polygon of confluence and at the side branch (SB) ostium. We evaluated 162 patients receiving the left main (LM) provisional one-stent technique and measured the SESBL, dividing them into two groups: SESBL≤ 2.0 mm and SESBL > 2.0 mm. The mean SESBL was 2.0 ± 1.2 mm. More than half of the bifurcations had both main and side branch lesions (Medina 1-1-1) (84 patients, 51.9%) and the length of the SB disease was 5.2 ±1.8 mm. Kissing balloon inflation (KBI) was performed in 49 patients (30.2%). During follow-up (12 months), there was a significantly higher rate of cardiac death in the SESBL ≤ 2.0 mm group (p = 0.02) but no significant difference in all major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (p = 0.7). KBI did not influence the outcomes (p = 0.3). Suboptimal SESBL is positively correlated with worse outcomes and SB compromise. This novel sign could aid the LM operator to assess the level of stent expansion at the ostium of the SB in the absence of intracoronary imaging.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Unprotected Left Main Disease: A Single-Center Study

Background: Hemodynamically significant unprotected left main (LM) coronary artery disease is a high-risk clinical condition because of the large area of myocardium at risk, and it requires prompt revascularization. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an appropriate alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for revascularization of unprotected LM disease in patients with low-to-intermediate anatomic complexity or when the patient refuses CABG after adequate counseling by the heart team. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 201 patients receiving left main (LM) provisional one-stent or two-stent procedures, and we assessed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing unprotected LM PCI. Results: The mean age was 66.5 ± 9.9 years, and 72% were male. The majority of the subjects presented several cardiovascular risk factors, among which arterial hypertension (179 patients, 89.5%) and dyslipidemia (173 patients, 86.5%) were the most frequent. Out of all patients, 162 (81.8%) underwent revascularization by using the one-stent technique, while the two-stent technique was used in 36 patients (18.2%). The median value of fractional flow reserve (FFR) of the side branch was 0.9 [0.85-0.95], and 135 patients (67.1%) showed a value of FFR > 0.8. One hundred nine patients (54.2%) had a stent enhancement side branch length (SESBL) > 2, with median values of 2.5 mm2 [2.1-3]. Regarding angiographic parameters, the LM area as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the grade of stenosis as assessed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) were similar between groups. However, patients who required revascularization by using the two-stent technique presented more frequently with intermediate rather than low SYNTAX scores (69.4% vs. 28.4%, p < 0.0001). Also, the same group required kissing balloon inflation (KBI) more frequently (69.4% vs. 30%, p < 0.001). There were no differences regarding the success of revascularization between the use of the one-stent or two-stent technique. FFR was able to predict a SESBL > 2 mm. The cut-off value for FFR to afford the highest degree of sensitivity (74.5%) and specificity (47%) for a SESBL > 2 was >0.86, indicating a moderate accuracy (AUC = 0.61, 95% CI 0.525-0.690, p = 0.036). Conclusions: Unprotected left main PCI is a safe and effective revascularization option amongst a complex and morbid population. There were no differences regarding the success of revascularization between the use of the one-stent or two-stent technique, and there was no significant impact of KBI on side branch FFR measurements but lower side branch FFR values were correlated with angiographic side branch compromise.

A novel hybrid strategy of drug coated balloon and stent for coronary bifurcation lesions

Background. Provisional side branch (SB) stenting strategy is the default approach for the majority of bifurcation lesions, but outcomes of SB is suboptimal. Though drug coated balloon (DCB) improving SB outcomes attracts an increasing attention, sequence of DCB hasn’t yet been determined. We presented a novel hybrid strategy of DCB and stent for bifurcation lesions. Methods. With lesion preparation, DCB was persistently inflated in SB kissing with main branch (MB) stent deployment and balloon post-dilation of the bifurcation core. Proximal optimization technique was performed strictly not exceeding the bifurcation. Procedural and clinical adverse events were evaluated. Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina classification was assessed at baseline and clinical follow-up. Results. Fourteen patients undergoing the hybrid technique from August 2020 to July 2021 were enrolled. The technique was successfully performed in all patients without rewiring or SB compromise. Minimal lumen diameter of SB increased from 0.60 ± 0.40 mm to 2.1 ± 0.2 mm while the percent stenosis decreased from 72.4 ± 17.9% to 19.6 ± 4.7%. In addition, intravascular ultrasound indicated comparable stent symmetry index and incomplete stent apposition between proximal and distal segments of stent. No further intervention was performed, and mean fractional flow reserve of SB (n = 12) was 0.88 ± 0.05. No major adverse cardiac events was noted in hospital and 12-month follow up. The mean CCS angina score was reduced by 84% (2.2 vs 0.4, p < .001). Conclusion. The hybrid strategy facilitates treatment of DCB and stent for bifurcation lesions, which appears to be feasible and acceptable in a short-term follow-up.

Effect of Clinical and Lesional Characteristics On Side Branch Compromise During Provisional Bifurcation Stenting

Background :One of the most serious side effects of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bifurcationlesions is major side branch (SB) blockage. PCI is used to treat coronary bifurcations lesions inabout 15-20% of cases. Because of the risk of SB compromise, PCI of coronary bifurcationlesions is frequently thought to be a difficult procedure.OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical and lesional predictability ofsevere SB blockage during coronary bifurcation intervention.MATERIAL &amp; METHODS: It was a retrospective study performed at Cardiac CatheterizationLab, Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore. It was a six months study from 15th April 2022 to14th Oct, 2022. 93 patients enrolled using non-probability sampling technique. Patients betweenthe ages of 30 and 70 of either gender, with coronary bifurcation lesions undergoing PCI and atleast one significant SB were included. Data was entered in the predesigned proforma. SPSSversion 24 was used to analyze our data.RESULTS: In our study a total of 93 patients were enrolled, the mean age of the cases was53.30 ± 1.12. There were 68 (73%) male and 25 (27%) females in our study. There were 52(56%) diabetic, 50 (54%) hypertensive, 63 (68%) smokers and 42 (45%) hypercholestrolemicpatients were present in our study. In our study 36 (39%) patients were found with family historyof CAD and 6 (7%) patients found with recent MI. LAD was most frequently utilized bifurcationlesion in our study. The mean of lesion length was 28.82 ± 10.91 in this study. SB angle was 41º-50º in most of the cases 20 (22%), side branch diameter stenosis post MV stenting was 70-75%in 40 (43%) cases. Medina classification 1,1,1 was found in 43 (46%) cases. In 62 (67%) casesno side branch jailing was observed. Side branch predilatation before MV stenting was found in72 (77%) cases. Need of stenting in SB was found in 60 (65%) cases. Most frequently usedtechnique for SB provisional stenting was DK crush and mini crush in this study.Keywords: Bifurcation Lesions, SB, PCI

Impact of rotational atherectomy on the incidence of side branch compromise in calcified bifurcation lesions undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention

BackgroundPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to the calcified bifurcation lesion is still a challenging issue even for experienced interventional cardiologists. In such bifurcation lesions, side branch compromise caused by carina-shift or plaque shift just following stent implantation or balloon dilatation is one of the most important complications. It remains unclear whether rotational atherectomy (RA) to the main vessel reduces the incidence of side branch compromise in the calcified bifurcation lesions. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the incidence of side branch compromise/occlusion between PCI with versus without RA. MethodsThis was a retrospective, single-center study. Side branch compromise/occlusion was defined as final Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade of side branch ≤2/≤1. We included 302 calcified bifurcation lesions, and divided those into the RA group (n = 140) and the non-RA group (n = 162) according to use of RA to the main vessel. ResultsThe incidence of side branch compromise/occlusion was significantly less in the RA group than in the non-RA group (compromise: 6.4 % versus 14.2 %, p = 0.038; occlusion: 3.6 % versus 10.5 %, p = 0.017). RA was inversely associated with the incidence of side branch compromise [odds ratio (OR) 0.272, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.096–0.772, p = 0.014] and occlusion (OR 0.175, 95 % CI 0.049–0.628, p = 0.008). ConclusionsRA to the main vessel was associated with a lower incidence of side branch compromise/occlusion. RA to the main vessel only may be a reasonable approach to reduce the risk of side branch compromise/occlusion in calcified bifurcation lesions.

Inflation Pressure in Side Branch during Modified Jailed Balloon Technique Does Not Affect Side Branch Outcomes.

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the optimal jailed balloon inflation in the side branch during the modified jailed balloon technique for bifurcated lesions. Background The modified jailed balloon technique is one of the effective techniques to minimize the emergence of side branch (SB) compromise by preventing plaque or carina shifting during a single stent strategy in the main vessel with provisional SB treatment. However, there are no detailed studies on the method of optimal jailed balloon inflation. Methods We analyzed 51 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bifurcated lesions with a modified jailed balloon technique between September 2018 and December 2020. These 51 patients were divided into two groups according to the magnitude of inflation pressure of the jailed balloon: a higher pressure (HP) group and lower pressure (LP) group. Results No significant differences in procedural outcomes were observed between the two groups. The findings of SB compromise were relatively common with our procedure (30.0% in the HP group; 33.3% in the LP group). The patterns of SB compromise such as dissection or stenosis increase were observed at similar frequencies between them. In particular, SB dissection was noted in the SB lesion with some plaque burden, irrespective of the magnitude of the jailed balloon inflation pressure. Univariate analysis showed that calcification in the main vessel and SB lesion length was significantly associated with SB compromise. Finally, all PCI procedures were successfully completed without any provisional stent deployment in SB. Conclusions We speculate that lesion characteristics rather than the PCI procedural factors may be critical determinants to cause SB compromise.

Impact of Lesion Preparation Technique on Side Branch Compromise in Calcified Coronary Bifurcations: A Subgroup Analysis of the PREPARE-CALC Trial.

Objectives To analyze the impact of different techniques of lesion preparation of severely calcified coronary bifurcation lesions. Background The impact of different techniques of lesion preparation of severely calcified coronary bifurcation lesions is poorly investigated. Methods We performed an as-treated analysis on 47 calcified bifurcation lesions treated with scoring/cutting balloons (SCB) and 68 lesions treated with rotational atherectomy (RA) in the PREPARE-CALC trial. Compromised side branch (SB) as assessed in the final angiogram was the primary outcome measure and was defined as any significant stenosis, dissection, or thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow <3. Results True bifurcation lesions were present in 49% vs. 43% of cases in the SCB and RA groups, respectively. After stent implantation, SB balloon dilatation was necessary in around one-third of cases (36% vs. 38%; p = 0.82), and a two-stent technique was performed in 21.3% vs. 25% (p = 0.75). At the end of the procedure, the SB remained compromised in 15 lesions (32%) in the SCB group and 5 lesions (7%) in the RA group (p = 0.001). Large coronary dissections were more frequently observed in the SCB group (13% vs. 2%; p = 0.02). Postprocedural levels of cardiac biomarkers were significantly higher in patients with a compromised SB at the end of the procedure. Conclusions In the PREPARE-CALC trial, side branch compromise was more frequently observed after lesion preparation with SCB as compared with RA. Consequently, in calcified bifurcation lesions, an upfront debulking with an RA-based strategy might optimize the result in the side branch.

Characteristics, predictors and outcomes after unprotected left main stem primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background Reports about outcomes of patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unprotected left main (ULM) coronary artery are limited. We aimed to investigate the characteristics, in-hospital and the long-term outcomes of these patients. Methods From a high-volume, single-centre, prospective registry, in a period from 2009–2019, we identified 111 pts (0.96%) who undergone primary PCI for ULM culprit lesion. The short- and the long-term outcomes in this subset was evaluated and compared to 9463 (82.5%) patients undergoing pPCI for lesions located in other segments (Non-LM group). Technical success was defined as final TIMI 3 flow in both, left main and distal vessels, anterior descending and circumflex artery, without significant residual stenosis (&amp;gt;20% following balloon angioplasty or stent implantation) and side branch compromise (residual stenosis &amp;gt;75%). Results Patients with ULM were older and more likely to present as Non-ST-elevation MI (77% vs. 93%; p&amp;lt;0.000) and in cardiogenic shock (40% vs. 2.2%; p&amp;lt;0.000), having less occlusive disease with TIMI 0–1 flow prior to PCI (44% vs. 78%; p&amp;lt;0.000) compared to Non-LM patients. Also, greater procedure complexity was observed with longer lesions &amp;gt;20mm (50% vs. 29%; p&amp;lt;0.000), more intraluminal thrombus (86% vs. 45%; p&amp;lt;0.000), greater number (1,48±0,9 vs. 1,28±0,7; p&amp;lt;0.01) and longer stents (30,5±15,8 vs. 27,4±14,3; p=0.028), more GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors (32% vs. 23%; p=0.022), intra-aortic counterpulsations (7% vs. 0.6%; p&amp;lt;0.000) and contrast media used (202±96 vs. 172±66; p&amp;lt;0.000) in ULM group. Despite obtaining comparable rates of final TIMI 3 flow in main branch (91.9% vs. 95.4%; p=0.084), patients with LMCA had significantly higher in-hospital (27% vs. 4.7%: p&amp;lt;0.000), and one-year all-cause mortality (41% vs. 11%: p&amp;lt;0.000), but for the remaining duration of clinical follow-up (available for 97.8% pts, median duration 51±37 months) survival rates were comparable between ULM and Non-LM pts (18% vs. 15%: p=0.506) (Figure 1). Regression analysis showed that final TIMI 3 in main branch at 30 days (HR 0.05 [95% CI 0.005–0.604]; p=0.018), while peri-procedural cardiogenic shock (hazard ratio (HR) 8.3 [95% CI 2.5–28.1]; p=0.001), creatinine clearance &amp;lt;60 ml/min (HR 7.5 [95% CI 2.3–25.1]; p=0.001) and technical success (HR 0.16 [95% CI 0.45–0.57]; p=0.005) at 5 years, independently predicted mortality in ULM patients. Conclusions Despite performance of primary PCI, patients with MI due to ULM lesions are associated with worse in-hospital and one-year mortality but following that period mortality was comparable to control group. Suboptimal final coronary flow best predicted the 30 day, while peri-procedural cardiogenic shock, renal dysfunction at admission and suboptimal technical procedure result, predicted long-term mortality in these patients. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Side branch fractional flow reserve after provisional stenting of calcified bifurcation lesions: The ORBID-FFR study.

We examined the incidence of side branch (SB) compromise after provisional stenting of calcified bifurcation lesions treated with rotational atherectomy (RA) or cutting balloon angioplasty (CBA) and the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect functionally significant SB stenoses. The comparative impact of RA versus CBA on SB compromise and functional significance remains poorly characterized. Seventy-one consecutive patients with 71 calcified bifurcation lesions with angiographically intermediate SB stenoses were randomized to RA (n=35) or CBA (n=36). The primary endpoint was SB compromise defined as SB diameter stenosis ≥70%, SB dissection or thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade < 3 after provisional stenting. Secondary endpoints included SB FFR in noncompromised SBs and its correlation with SB ostium area (SBOA) assessed by three-dimensional OCT. SB compromise after provisional stenting was observed in 7 (20.0%) lesions that underwent RA and in 9 (25.0%) lesions treated with CBA (p=.62). Mean SB FFR was 0.83 ± 0.08 and was similar between the study arms. Functionally significant SB stenosis (FFR ≤ 0.80) was detected in 17(30.9%) angiographically noncompromised SBs. SBOA after stenting was an independent predictor of FFR ≤ 0.80 (OR 0.002, 95% CI: 0.00-0.15, p=.002). The optimal cutoff value for SBOA to predict functionally significant SB stenosis was 0.76 mm2 (sensitivity 82%, specificity 89% and area under the curve 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84-0.99). The rates of SB compromise and functionally significant stenosis after provisional stenting of calcified bifurcation lesions were similar between two lesion preparation strategies. OCT SBOA can detect SB branches with FFR ≤ 0.80 with high sensitivity and specificity.

Efficacy of drug-coated balloon angioplasty after directional coronary atherectomy for coronary bifurcation lesions (DCA/DCB registry).

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of additional drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty after directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) for coronary bifurcation lesions. The optimal therapy for bifurcation lesions has not been established, even in the drug-eluting stent era. DCA possibly prevents plaque and carina shift in bifurcation lesions by plaque debulking; however, the efficacy of combined DCA and DCB (DCA/DCB) for bifurcation lesions remains unclear. This multicenter registry retrospectively recruited patients with bifurcation lesions who underwent DCA/DCB and follow-up angiogram at 6-15 months. The primary endpoint was the 12-month target vessel failure (TVF) rate. The secondary endpoints were procedure-related major complications, major cardiovascular events at 12 months, restenosis at 12 months, target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 12 months. We enrolled 129 patients from 16 Japanese centers. One hundred and four lesions (80.6%) were located around the left main trunk bifurcations. No side branch compromise was found intraoperatively. Restenosis was observed in three patients (2.3%) at 12 months. TLR occurred in four patients (3.1%): 3 (2.3%) in the main vessel and 1 (0.8%) in the ostium of the side branch at 12 months. TVF incidence at 12 months was slightly higher in 14 patients (10.9%), and only two patients (1.6%) had symptomatic TVR. One patient (0.8%) had non-target vessel-related myocardial infarction. Our data suggested that DCA/DCB provided good clinical outcomes and minimal side branch damage and could be an optimal non-stent percutaneous coronary intervention strategy for bifurcation lesions.

Jailed balloons for side branch protection: a review of techniques and literature

Coronary bifurcation lesions are commonly encountered, and side branch compromise is a major complication of these bifurcation interventions. Jailing a wire in the side branch is the most common method of significant side branch protection. Jailing a balloon in the side branch is a less well known and seldom practiced strategy of side branch preservation but tends to have lower occlusion rates as compared to conventional jailed wires. Various modifications have been applied to the original jailed balloon technique to further improve side branch patency. Complications arising from this technique have been limited to case reports only and relate mainly to calcified vessels.

Anatomical features and clinical outcome of a honeycomb-like structure in the coronary artery: reports from 16 consecutive patients.

Recanalization of thrombus in coronary artery tree is defined as a honeycomb-like structure. However, the anatomic features and appropriate treatment of honeycomb-like structure still remain largely unclear. Between 2014 July and 2017 December, 17 honeycomb-like structure in 16 patients based on optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound were included. Fractional flow reserve was measured for patients who had thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade 3. Angiographic and optical coherence tomography/intravascular ultrasound-derived variables were studied. Clinical events (until to 2018 December) were collected. Honeycomb-like structures mostly involved left anterior descending artery (68.8%) and localized at proximal-mid (88.2%) segment of vessels. Eight patients had a side branch ≥ 2 mm in diameter taking from honeycomb-like structure. Only one patient had a normal fractional flow reserve. Fifteen patients underwent implantation of a stent. Stent implantation was associated with side branch compromise or closure (4 in each). Of 4 patients with side branch closure, all had a creatine kinase myocardial band > 5 times increase in hospital, with 3 deaths and 1 target lesion revascularization during follow-up. Despite the presence of recanalization, most honeycomb-like structure lesion have a positive fractional flow reserve. Further study is required to address how to protect a large side branch taking from honeycomb-like structure.

Corrected Bifurcation Angle versus Distal Bifurcation Angle for Prediction of Side Branch Compromise after Provisional Bifurcation Coronary Intervention

Corrected Bifurcation Angle versus Distal Bifurcation Angle for Prediction of Side Branch Compromise after Provisional Bifurcation Coronary Intervention