Provisional T-stenting and kissing balloon in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions: results of the French multicenter "TULIPE" study.

BACKGROUND: In previous prospective studies, a strategy of (a) stenting of the main branch, (b) provisional T-stenting of the side branch, and (c) final kissing balloon inflation, was associated with high success and low target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates on the long-term. OBJECTIVES: To examine the performance of this strategy in a multicenter study. METHODS: Consecutive patients were treated at 14 French medical centers for de novo coronary bifurcation lesions with the same technique used. Immediate results and clinically-driven TLR at 7 months were examined. RESULTS: The mean reference diameters of the main and side branches were 3.2 +/- 0.6 mm and 2.4 +/- 0.5 mm, respectively. The side branch was stented in 34% of patients. A <30% residual stenosis in the main branch was achieved in 99%, <50% in the side branch in 90%, and both in 89% of procedures. The in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular event were a Q-wave and 5 non-Qwaves MI (0.54% and 2.7%). At 7 months of follow-up, 3 patients (1.76%) had died, 1 suffered a non-Q-wave MI (0.59%), and 28 (15.88%) underwent TLR. By multivariate analysis, a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (OR: 0.934), moderate calcifications (OR: 7.86), and non-use of the "jailed" wire technique (OR: 4.26) were associated with reinterventions during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A strategy of provisional T-stenting with a tubular stent and final kissing balloon angioplasty for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions was safe and associated with a low TLR rate at 7 months. This strategy should be applicable to the new era of drug eluting stents.     

Grading the angiographic extent of collateral filling

Angiography frequently demonstrates a collateral circulation in severe coronary artery disease. An easily applicable method to quantify collateral flow might be a useful adjunct for the assessment of the hemodynamic effects of coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study was to validate a visual scaling of the extent of angiographic collateral filling by comparison with flowmeter- and microsphere-derived measurements of collateral flow. In 12 open-chest dogs, collaterals from the circumflex artery were angiographically visualized (n = 80) by creating acute critical left anterior descending artery occlusion. The extent of collateral filling was graded in four levels from 0 = no visible filling to 3 = complete epicardial filling. Collateral filling correlated with the change in flow of the collateral supplying circumflex artery (Q; r = 0.84) which was + 5.3 ±4.6% with grade 1, + 9.1 ±3.5% with grade 2 and + 14.6 ±4.7% with grade 3 (p < 0.01). In parallel, coronary flow reserve decreased from 4.1 ±0.8 with grade 0 to 2.9 ±0.2 with grade 3 (p < 0.01). Colored microspheres were injected subselectively into the circumflex artery of 9 dogs (45 injections). The ratio of microspheres counted in the collateralized myocardium of the left anterior descending artery to the total number injected increased from 0.6 ±0.9% for grade 0 to 17.1 ±2.8% with grade 3 (p < 0.01). Absolute collateral flow derived from microsphere counts averaged 5.5 ±0.9 ml/min with grade 3 and closely correlated with collateral filling grade (r = 0.88). Semiquantitative grading of angiographic collateral filling in response to acute coronary occlusion in a canine model correlates with an increase in collateral source artery flow, absolute collateral flow and a decrease in source artery flow reserve. These data suggest that this scale might be a simple but useful adjunct tool to assess the hemodynamic significance of a collateral circulation.This work was supported by a grant from the NLHBI 1 R01 HL40865. Dr. Schuhlen is the recipient of a grant from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (#Schu657/1-1 and 1–2).     

Embolization complicating coronary angioplasty in the presence of an intracoronary thrombus

Two cases of coronary occlusion and subsequent embolization during percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are described. Prior to PTCA, angiographic evidence of intracoronary thrombus was present. Abrupt reclosure after dilation was treated by successful redilation. However, coronary embolization of thrombus debris occurred downstream in one patient and into an adjacent coronary branch in the second patient.     

非罪犯冠脉斑块研究的进展

加强冠心病的二级预防是目前防控急性冠脉综合征（ACS）的重要手段。本文对ACS与非罪犯冠脉斑块的关系作了综述。     

LAD-right ventricular fistula complicating PTCA: Another case

Coronary perforation caused by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) occurs rarely and most often leads to communication to the pericardial space. We report a case where PTCA caused a coronary artery rupture and fistulization to the right ventricular outflow tract. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 42:34–36, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Treatment of ruptured coronary aneurysm with a novel covered stent

Coronary artery aneurysms are relatively rare but have been diagnosed with increasing frequency since the advent of coronary arteriography. Their reported incidence varies from 1.5% to 5% with male dominance and a predilection for the right coronary artery (RCA), accounting for over 40% of all cases. The most common etiology amongst adults remains atherosclerosis accounting for 50% of coronary aneurysms. We describe the first use of a novel flexible pericardium covered stent for successful treatment of a ruptured coronary aneurysm in 76 year old lady. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Techniques for palmaz-schatz stent deployment in lesions with a large side branch

Palmaz-Schatz coronary stent implantation in lesions with a large side branch are reported. The first case describes how to manage plaque shifting after stent implantation. The second and third cases demonstrate a kissing balloon predilatation and stent dilatation technique of a bifurcational lesion. The final case demonstrates a stent implantation technique through the stent struts of a previously deployed stent.     

Is short-stay coronary angioplasty safe?

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is usually performed as an inpatient procedure and the patients are monitored for several days afterward. Over a 13-month period, in 91 of 373 PTCA procedures, the clinical condition of the patient did not necessitate inpatient status before PTCA. PTCA was done the day of admission and discharge planned the following. Overall hospital stay was planned as less than 24 hours. PTCA was done in one vessel in 62 patients, two vessels in 24, three vessels in 3, and four vessels in 2 patients. PTCA was initially successful (less than 50% residual stenosis) in 85 patients (93%). In one of these, acute occlusion occurred the next morning and urgent bypass surgery was done. PTCA failed in 6 patients who left the catheterization laboratory with unchanged coronary anatomy. Bypass surgery was performed that day in 2 patients, on another admission in 1 patient, and medical therapy continued in the other 3 patients. Of the 88 patients not receiving same admission bypass surgery, 84 (95%) were discharged in less than 24 h. Hospitalization was prolonged (1-5 days) in 4 patients. This was because of nonobstructive dissection treated with heparin for approximately 24 h in 2 patients; a catheterization site hematoma in 1 patient, and post-PTCA noncardiac chest pain in another. No patient had inhospital myocardial infarction or death. The only late complication was in a patient treated with heparin and monitored for 2 days; 3 weeks later angina returned and he died suddenly. These data suggest PTCA can safely be done in selected patients with both single and multivessel disease in a short stay inhospital setting.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Angiographic demonstration of coronary sinus thrombosis: A potential consequence of trauma to the coronary sinus

Abnormalities of the coronary sinus are rarely encountered. A case is presented demonstrating for the first time the angiographic appearance of coronary sinus thrombosis. This may have been the result of surgical trauma during mitral valve replacement or inadvertent cannulation of the coronary sinus during right heart catheterization or pacemaker insertion. Although the clinical significance of coronary sinus thrombosis is uncertain, obstruction of coronary sinus blood flow should not be deleterious because of multiple anastomoses between the coronary sinus system and the anterior cardiac veins. Difficulty in cannulating the coronary sinus for physiologic studies should suggest the possibility of coronary sinus thrombosis, especially in patients who have undergone mitral valve replacement. This may be confirmed by observing the venous phase of selective left coronary arteriography. Finally, coronary sinus thrombosis may be important as a source of pulmonary emboli. The prevalence of this serious complication requires further study.     

Coronary arteriovenous-arterial fistula

A case of multiple arteriovenous fistulae is described in an adult with coronary artery disease. One of these fistulae drained into the anterior interventricular vein, which in turn communicated with and perfused an obstructed left anterior descending coronary artery.     

Coronary aneurysms: A case report and review

This case report describes a large coronary aneurysm and poses questions regarding management. The discussion that follows addresses what is known about the natural history of and options for management of coronary aneurysms.     

Stent placement for recurrent vasospastic angina resistant to medical treatment

The successful stent placement for treatment of recurrent vasospastic angina in a patient with nonstenotic coronary arteries is described. Use of the Palmaz-Schatz stent resulted in successful vasodilation that completely prevented anginal attacks. This procedure represents an alternative treatment for patients with vasospastic angina refractory to aggressive medical therapy. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 42:440–443, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Extensive coronary dissection caused by balloon rupture at high pressure during stent deployment

A patient with severe stenosis of the right coronary artery underwent successful stent placement. During high pressure postdilatation, the balloon ruptured, causing an extensive proximal dissection of the right coronary artery managed with the deployment of several additional stents. Strategies aimed at avoiding or minimizing the consequences of high pressure balloon rupture are discussed. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Concept of the homemade coronary stent: Experimental results and initial clinical experience

To defray the escalating cost of coronary stenting, we handmade a balloon expandable coil stent with stainless steel wire. Preliminary comparison with the Palmaz-Schatz stent showed that, when implanted in porcine illac arteries, there was no difference in immediate angiographic results or in the degree of foreign body reaction at 6 wk. Subsequently, a total of 73 stents were implanted in 52 patients, either as a bailout device (54%) or for suboptimal angiographic results (46%). All but two implantations were successful. The postprocedural regimen consisted of heparin 1,000 IU/hr, aspirin 250 mg daily, and ticlopidine 500 mg daily. In-hospital complications were limited to two groin hematomas, one necessitating blood transfusion. Importantly, stent thrombosis was not observed. While 6-mo follow-up is pending, we already conclude that a balloon expandable coil stent can be handmade easily at low cost and implanted safely in patients. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Low restenosis rate in lesions of the left anterior descending coronary artery with stenting following directional coronary atherectomy

The present study evaluated acute and late results with stenting following directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) for the lesions in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Between April 1995 and January 1997, 200 LAD lesions with ≥3 mm reference vessel diameter were treated with coronary stents. The lesions were divided as to whether or not DCA was performed before stenting; 1) stenting alone (n = 163) and 2) debulking and stenting (n = 37). There were no significant differences in the incidences of complications except for non-Q-wave myocardial infarction that was more frequent in patients with debulking and stenting than in those with stenting alone (13.5% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.05). A greater acute lumen gain (2.85 ± 0.66 vs. 2.25 ± 0.60 mm, P < 0.01) and minimal lumen diameter (3.64 ± 0.56 vs. 3.15 ± 0.41 mm, P < 0.01) after stenting were observed in patients with debulking and stenting than in those with stenting alone. At follow-up patients with debulking and stenting continued to have a greater minimal lumen diameter (2.88 ± 0.72 vs. 2.15 ± 0.85 mm, P < 0.01) and had a lower restenosis rate (6.3% vs. 23.1%, P < 0.05) than those with stenting alone. Stenting following DCA appears to be advantageous in the LAD lesions with ≥3 mm reference vessel diameter. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 45:131–138, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The “furrowing effect”: Guidewire-induced “directional” lesion ablation in rotational atherectomy of angulated coronary artery lesions

We discuss a guidewire induced asymmetric abiative effect in three cases of rotational atherectomy facilitated angioplasty of angulated coronary artery lesions. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Association of coronary calcification with obstructive disease in coronary arteries in Indian patients

A total of 1150 consecutive patients (1052 males and 98 females; age 51.2 +/- 10.1 years) with suspected coronary artery disease (Group I) were subjected to fluoroscopy for detection of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and coronary angiography. Another group (Group II) of 120 patients (95 males and 25 females; age 51.4 +/- 9.4 years) catheterized for cardiac diseases other than coronary artery disease (CAD) were subjected to the same protocol of fluoroscopy and coronary angiography to exclude incidental CAD in view of their age. CAC was present in 240 patients (20.0%) in Group I. Of these, 200 (83.4%) had triple-vessel disease (TVD); 20 (8.3%) had double-vessel disease (DVD); 19 (7.9%) had single-vessel disease (SVD); and 37 (15.4%) patients had left main coronary disease (LMCAD). Only one of these patients had insignificant CAD considered as "normal" coronary arteries (NC). Incidence of LMCAD, TVD, DVD, SVD, and NC in patients without CAC was 4.4%, 56.3%, 18.2%, 14.0%, and 11.5%, respectively. Incidence of CAC in patients with LMCAD, TVD, DVD, SVD, and NC was 48.1%, 28.1%, 10.8%, 13.0%, and 1.0% respectively. In Group II (n = 120), 24 patients (20%) had CAD, CAC was present in 5 patients with CAD (20.9%), and in two patients without CAD (2%). CAC is relatively uncommon in Indian CAD patients. Its presence, however, indicates severe multivessel disease.     

Dual guiding catheters for saphenous venous graft protection during native coronary angioplasty

The simultaneous use of two guiding catheters during angioplasty has been previously described for native coronary artery bifurcation lesions. We describe a case in which a dual guiding catheter, dual guidewire technique is used for angioplasty of a native vessel lesion spanning the anastomotic site of a sequential saphenous vein graft.     

Normal left main coronary artery diameter can be predicted from diameters of its branch vessels

An uncommon though vexing problem exists when the left main coronary artery appears subjectively to be diffusely stenotic relative to its branch vessels, but the severity of such stenosis cannot be determined because of the lack of a normal reference. To overcome this problem, 20 coronary angiograms demonstrating no evidence of disease were quantitatively analyzed to determine the normal ratio of left main diameter to the sum of the diameters of its immediate branches. For bifurcating left mains, the mean ratio of diameter of left main to sum of diameters of its two immediate branches was 0.65 ± 0.04; for trifurcating left mains, the mean ratio of diameter of left main to sum of diameters of its three immediate branches was 0.56 ± 0.02. Thus, it appears feasible and practical to predict the normal diameter of the left main from the measured diameters of its immediate branches.     

Nonatherosclerotic causes of coronary artery narrowing—Part II

Part II of this three-part article on nonatherosclerotic causes of coronary heart disease focuses on myocardial bridges, coronary artery aneurysms, emboli, coronary dissection, and spasm as causes of luminal narrowing.