Clinical outcomes following bioresorbable scaffold implantation for bifurcation lesions: Overall outcomes and comparison between provisional and planned double stenting strategy

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes of patients treated with a provisional stenting (PS) versus a double stenting (DS) strategy for coronary bifurcation lesions with bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS). There are limited data available with regards to outcomes following BRS implantation for bifurcation lesions. A total of 132 bifurcation lesions treated with BRS between 2012 and 2014 were analyzed. Of the total of 132 bifurcation lesions, 10 lesions were treated without crossover stenting. 99 lesions (81%) were treated with a PS strategy and 23 lesions (19%) with a DS strategy. The DS group consisted of patients with a greater number of true bifurcation lesions (PS 52.0% vs. DS 91.3%: P < 0.001). In the PS group, seven lesions (7.1%) were crossed‐over to T‐stenting. In the DS group, 13 lesions (57%) were treated with BRS to the side branch (SB). A hybrid stenting technique [BRS to the main branch, and metallic drug‐eluting stent (DES) to the SB] was utilized in 10 (43%) lesions. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates were 5.5% for PS and 11.2% for DS (P = 0.49) at 1‐year follow‐up. Definite scaffold thrombosis did not occur at the site of any bifurcation lesion. These findings suggest that BRS implantation for bifurcation lesions is technically feasible. The rates of TLR tended to be higher in the DS group compared to when a PS strategy was employed. Larger studies are eagerly awaited to determine longer‐term follow‐up of this treatment strategy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Percutaneous coronary interventions on vein graft bifurcation lesions presenting as an acute coronary syndrome

Interventions on graft bifurcation lesions are uncommon, especially in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We described three cases of graft bifurcation intervention where we tailored our approach based on lesion characteristics, anatomy, and angulation to achieve excellent angiographic and clinical outcomes. In case 1, shared ostia of saphenous vein graft (SVG) to Diagonal (D) and Radial graft to Obtuse Marginal (OM) was severely stenosed. We prioritized the radial arterial graft as it is known to have a longer patency rate over a totally occluded SVG of an undetermined period. We performed provisional stenting of the ostium of the radial artery and balloon angioplasty of the SVG ostium, while stenting the body of the SVG. In case 2 (bifurcation lesion at the anastomosis of SVG to D1 and sequential jump graft to OM), we utilized a V stenting strategy after an embolization protection device (EPD) was deployed in the branch with a suitable landing zone. Kissing balloon dilatation of both the branches was performed both pre- and poststenting. In case 3 (bifurcation lesion at SVG to OM and Sequential “T” graft to diagonal), there was >90% angulation between both the grafts. We used “T” stenting strategy in this case. At 2-year follow-up, patients had no major adverse cardiovascular events since and remained symptom free.     

The “double stingray technique” for recanalizing chronic total occlusions with bifurcation at the distal cap

Antegrade dissection re‐entry is often discouraged for chronic total occlusions (CTOs) with a bifurcation at the distal cap due to risk of side branch occlusion that can lead to periprocedural myocardial infarction and incomplete revascularization. Antegrade dissection re‐entry, however, is often needed, especially in complex cases. We present the novel “double Stingray technique” for CTOs involving bifurcations, in which the Stingray system is used twice for re‐entry into both vessel branches, followed by two‐stent bifurcation stenting to maintain the patency of both branches.     

冠状动脉分叉病变置入支架后分支狭窄率的变化

目的研究冠状动脉分叉病变的主支经支架治疗后分支闭塞的影响因素。方法回顾性分析2005年9月至2006年1月在我院接受经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)的92例患者共121处分叉病变,术后进行定量血管造影分析,探讨分支闭塞的相关因素。结果分叉病变主支置入支架后,分支狭窄程度与分支自身的斑块负荷、分支参考直径、分叉角度、主支斑块负荷相关。其中,分支狭窄程度与分支和主支自身的斑块负荷呈正相关,与分叉角度、分支直径呈负相关。逐步回归分析显示:Y=0.48A-11.4B-0.23C 0.22D(Y:主支支架术后分支面积狭窄率,单位:%;A:分支狭窄率;B:分支参考直径;C:分叉角度;D:主支狭窄率)。结论分叉病变置入支架后分支狭窄程度与分支自身的斑块负荷、分支参考直径、分叉角度以及主支斑块负荷相关。分支自身的病变越重、分支越小、分叉角度越小及主支的病变越重,介入治疗后分支闭塞的可能性越大。     

冠心病患者分支病变支架植入术治疗效果及安全性评估

目的评价冠心病患者冠状动脉分叉病变支架植入后的治疗效果及其安全性。方法74例冠心病患者冠状动脉分叉病变行支架植入术，其中24例主支和分支内均植入支架，50例仅在主支内植入支架。结果（1）两组患者病变支数及病变累及部位构成比间差别无显著性意义；（2）两组患者再狭窄发现率间差别无显著性意义；（3）两组患者间主要心血管病事件差别无显著性意义。结论冠状动脉分叉病变的冠心病患者仅在主支内植入支架和主、分支内均植入支架两组间治疗效果相近，主要心血管病事件无显著性差别。     

Drug eluting stenting in bifurcation coronary lesions long-term results applying a systematic treatment strategy

Objectives : To explore the long‐term results following implantation of drug‐eluting stents (DES) in bifurcation lesions according to contemporary “real world” practice. Background : Limited information is available on the long‐term outcomes of patients with bifurcation lesions who are treated using DES. A systematic approach for bifurcation lesion management was applied, using either a “provisional” single stent technique or a dedicated two stents strategy according to the side‐branch diameter and severity of its ostial stenosis. Methods : Four hundred one consecutive patients underwent bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using DES and were included in our prospective registry. All adverse events were recorded up to 2 years and distinguished according to the planned PCI strategy (e.g., one versus two stents technique). Results : A planned two stents strategy was used in 141 patients (35% of patients). In 260 patients (65%), the planned treatment involved stenting of the main branch only with “provisional” stenting of the side‐branch according to procedural course. Thus, 24 patients (9.2%) needed additional stenting at the side‐branch to complete the PCI. Cumulative major adverse cardiac event rate at 1 and 2 years was similar for both groups (11.4% vs. 14.8% at 1 year and 19.4% vs. 25.7% at 2 years for the single vs. two stents groups, accordingly, P = NS for both). Likewise, there was no difference in mortality, cardiac mortality, myocardial infarction, need for target lesions or target vessel revascularization, or definite stent thrombosis rate between the two groups at 6, 12, and 2 years follow‐up. The rate of angiographically confirmed (i.e., definite) stent thrombosis did not differ between the two groups during follow‐up. Conclusions : Our study revealed favorable long‐term clinical results following DES implantation using a systematic, rather simplified approach towards bifurcation stenting and using either a single or double stenting technique. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Balloon crush: treatment of bifurcation lesions using the crush stenting technique as adapted for transradial approach of percutaneous coronary intervention.

The recent advent of drug-eluting stents has allowed the crush stenting technique to be adopted, thus simplifying the treatment of bifurcation coronary artery lesions. However, this can only be achieved in 7 Fr or greater guiding catheters, hence precluding most transradial percutaneous coronary interventions that are usually undertaken using 6 Fr or less guiding catheters. We assessed the feasibility of balloon stent crush as a stepwise procedure in achieving bifurcation crush stenting in 6 Fr transradial percutaneous coronary interventions. Since it is not possible to place two stents through a 6 Fr guiding catheter, we have adapted the crush stenting technique by initially placing a stent in the side branch and a balloon in the main vessel. The side branch stent is then deployed against the main vessel balloon that is later inflated, crushing the side branch stent within the main vessel. The main vessel is then stented and the side branch recrossed for kissing inflations. Seven patients (five males; age range, 47-78 years) with bifurcation lesions were treated using the above-described technique without major complications. Balloon crush of the side branch stent were successfully achieved in all cases without balloon trapping. In six cases where side branch recrossing was attempted, all were successful and kissing balloon inflations were undertaken in five cases. We have demonstrated that the modified crush stenting technique is feasible and can be safely adapted for use in a 6 Fr transradial percutaneous coronary intervention approach.     

Salvage of side branch by provisional “TAP technique” using absorb™ bioresorbable vascular scaffolds for bifurcation lesions: First case reports with technical considerations

Recent technological developments have led to the development of Absorb? bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) [Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, USA] for percutaneous treatment of coronary artery disease by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The BVS is now approved for use in many countries but experience in bifurcation lesions is limited and largely unreported and concerns still exist about its use across major side branches. We report for the first time, the successful use of the “T and Protrusion” (TAP) technique of deploying BVS into the side branch (SB) through the struts of main branch (MB) BVS to salvage a suboptimal result and threatened closure of a SB in three cases when treating bifurcation lesions with a planned single BVS strategy. The TAP technique was successful in all cases and there were no complications. All patients continue to do well at short‐term follow‐up. This case report provides information regarding the feasibility as well as technical and procedural insights when using BVS for bifurcation lesions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A novel stenting technique for coronary artery bifurcation stenosis

A novel stenting technique, using one stent strategy, designed to treat type Medina 1,0,0 coronary bifurcation lesions, is described. The atherosclerotic plaque burden in this category of bifurcation lesions is located in the proximal segment of the main branch (MB) of a coronary bifurcation in which the side branch has a sharp angulation (T‐ or reverse‐shaped) relative to the MB. The advantages of this technique are the accurate placement of the stent tailored to cover solely the bifurcation lesion, shoving the plaque burden away from the side branch ostium during stent expansion and the ability to maintain guide wire access in the branch at highest risk of occlusion obviating the need for more cumbersome and time consuming percutaneous coronary intervention procedure. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Efficacy of Fractional Flow Reserve Measurements at Side Branch Vessels Treated With the Crush Stenting Technique in True Coronary Bifurcation Lesions

Background

Measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been frequently used to optimize the results of coronary stenting in patients with significant narrowing of coronary arteries.

Hypothesis

There has been a consensus that an FFR value > 0.90 after stenting is a useful surrogate for favorable long‐term clinical outcome. We evaluated the efficacy of FFR measurement at side branch vessels of true coronary bifurcation lesions that were treated with the crush stenting technique.

Methods

This study included 12 patients with significant narrowing in both a main coronary vessel and side branch vessel who underwent the crush stenting procedure.

Results

After crush stenting, FFR measurement was performed at the side branch vessel prior to and after kissing balloon angioplasty (KBA). FFR values increased significantly, from 0.94 ± 0.04 pre‐KBA to 0.97 ± 0.03 post‐KBA (P = 0.011). FFR values after crush stenting but prior to KBA already measured > 0.90 in 9 of the 12 patients (75%). FFR values for the remaining 3 patients were 0.88, 0.88, and 0.90, respectively.

Conclusions

FFR measurement at side branch vessels of coronary bifurcation lesions treated with crush stenting may not contribute to adequate decision‐making for improvement of long‐term clinical outcomes. KBA should be strongly considered for patients with bifurcation lesions treated with crush stenting. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This study was partly supported by a grant from the Korea Healthcare Technology R&D Project, Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, Republic of Korea (Nos. A085012 and A000385); a grant from the Korea Health 21 R&D Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (No. A085136); and the Cardiovascular Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea. The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose. Byoung Kwon Lee, MD and Hyun Hee Choi, MD contributed equally to this article.     

Transverse partial stent ablation with rotational atherectomy for suboptimal culotte technique in left main stem bifurcation

Longitudinal rotational atherectomy of metal struts is well described as bail‐out strategy to treat undilatable instent restenosis. Ablation of metal stent struts jailing the ostium of a major side branch in a coronary bifurcation is not described. In the current report, we describe a case of “transverse” rotational atherectomy to treat a failure of culotte stenting in a left main stem bifurcation. We document for the first time in vivo and in man the effect of this strategy using optical coherence tomography.     

主支支架加边支预埋球囊治疗冠状动脉分叉病变的疗效及安全性观察

目的 探讨主支支架加边支预埋球囊治疗冠状动脉分叉病变的临床疗效及手术安全性.方法 以江苏省徐州市中心医院2012年10月至2013年7月收治的冠状动脉分叉病变患者86例为研究对象,采用主支支架加边支预埋球囊术进行治疗.依据研究组患者的基线资料特点,选取行单导丝边支保护的60例边支病变患者为对照组.术后,对比评价两组患者的介入治疗成功率、并发症发生率以及随访1年后的心肌梗死溶栓试验（thrombolysis in myocardial infarction,TIMI）血流分级、TIMI心肌灌注（TIMI myocardial perfusion,TMP）血流分级等.结果 术后,研究组和对照组的介入治疗成功率分别为98.84％和85.71％,并发症发生率分别为1.16％和11.11％,组间比较差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.随访1年期间,研究组的主要心血管事件发生率低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义[6.98％（6/86） vs.31.75％（20/63） P＜0.05];TIMI血流分级、TMP血流分级以及右心室舒张末期内径和右心室射血分数均优于对照组,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.结论 主支支架加边支预埋球囊可提高冠状动脉分支病变患者的介入治疗成功率,降低并发症的发生率,血运重建效果良好,具有较好的远期疗效.     

糖尿病合并分叉病变患者单双支架介入策略的比较

目的 探讨糖尿病合并冠状动脉分叉病变人群采用单双支架策略的预后差异.方法 回顾性研究了入选DK-Crush Ⅰ-Ⅳ系列试验的糖尿病合并冠状动脉真性分叉病变患者211例.其中,单支架策略组(PS组)119例,双支架策略组(DS组)92例,均使用了雷帕霉素洗脱支架.PS组于下述情况以“T”支架术式置入分支支架:(1)分支血管残余狭窄≥50％;(2)TIMI血流小于3级;(3)合并B型以上夹层.DS组采用DK-Crush技术56例(60.9％),“T”型支架置入技术26例(28.3％),Culotte技术置入10例(10.9％).无论DS组抑或PS组在支架置入后均强调完成分支高压后扩张和主、分支最终球囊对吻( FKI).主要研究终点为术后9个月内的主要不良心脏事件(MACE,包括心源性死亡、非致死性心肌梗死、再发心绞痛,再次靶血管重建),次要研究终点为9个月时血管造影主支和分支血管再狭窄.结果 9个月随访期内DS组与PS组的发生MACE分别为12例(13.0％)和14例(11.8％),两组间差异无统计学意义(x2=0.079,P＞0.05).随访血管造影主支再狭窄DS组与PS组分别为10例(10.9％)和12例(10.1％),组间比较无差异统计学意义(x2=0.034,P＞0.05),但分支再狭窄DS组18例(19.6％)显著低于PS组46例(38.7％)x2=8.948,P=0.003.结论 在糖尿病合并冠状动脉分叉病变患者中,单支架策略与双支架策略的9个月随访期的主要不良心脏事件无差异,但双支架策略显著减少了分支再狭窄.     

The Application of Dual-wire Balloon in The Treatment of Coronary Bifurcation Lesions

Objectives To assess the efficiency and safety of dual-wire balloon angioplasty side branch combined stenting the main branch in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions. Methods This study included thirty-six patients with 41 coronary bifurcation lesions. Selective dual-wire balloon angioplasty was performed in side branch and/or in main branch, and implantation of stents was performed in main branch only. Clinical outcome and major adverse cardiac events were observed in-hospital and follow-up. Results Success rate of side branch dilatation before main branch stenting was 100%; main branch direct stenting performed in 4 cases; success main branch dilatation performed in the other 37 cases; kissing technique was performed successfully in 5 cases, which side branch was jailed after main branch stenting with TIMI grade 0-2 flow. No Q-wave myocardial infarction, acute revascularization and death occurred during in-hospital. Clinical follow-up was available in all patients. No Q-wave myocardial infarction, revascularization and death occurred, angina pectoris recurred in three patients, released by strengthen drug treatment. Conclusions Dual-wire balloon angioplasty side branch combined stenting the main branch is simple, safe and effective for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions.     

Long‐term risk of clinical events from stenting side branches of coronary bifurcation lesions with drug‐eluting and bare‐metal stents: An observational meta‐analysis

Objectives : To compare the long‐term risks of coronary bifurcation lesions treated with side‐branch stenting using drug‐eluting versus bare‐metal stents. Background : Side‐branch stenting is an off‐label practice, but when needed, the incidence of late adverse events may differ between drug‐eluting and bare‐metal stents. Methods : We systematically searched PubMed, and the National Institutes of Health and Cochrane Registries for studies of coronary bifurcation stenting reporting clinical outcomes over at least 5 months. Data were extracted and cross checked independently by two investigators for inclusion in an observational meta‐analysis. Clinical outcomes included major adverse clinical events (MACE), death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and definite stent thrombosis. We used random‐effects models and meta‐regression in 6,825 subjects from 42 studies. Results : Most (79%) of the heterogeneity in MACE between treatment groups was explained by differences in stent type, side‐branch stenting, and length of follow‐up. Compared with drug‐eluting stents without side‐branch stenting, drug‐eluting stents with side‐branch stenting had a 3% higher incidence of myocardial infarction [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.3%, 5%, P < 0.05], but no significant increase in MACE, death, TVR, or stent thrombosis. Bare‐metal stenting without side‐branch stenting had 10% (95% CI = 3%, 16%, P < 0.01) higher MACE, and 10% (95% CI = 4%, 17%, P < 0.01) higher TVR, whereas bare‐metal side‐branch stenting had 31% (95% CI = 23%, 39%, P < 0.001) higher MACE, and 19% (95% CI = 10%, 28%, P < 0.001) higher TVR. Conclusions : Side‐branch stenting has a much smaller impact on long‐term MACE with drug‐eluting stents compared with bare‐metal stents. Although this study does not support routine side‐branch stenting, when side‐branch stenting is required, drug‐eluting stents are associated with less adverse outcomes.© 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Coronary revascularization for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease: Evidence,guidelines, and judgment! making clinical decisions in 2009

The current clinical practice guidelines categorize the use of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery for revascularization of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCAD) as a class IA recommendation while it categorize the use of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) as a class III recommendation. The evidence underlying these recommendations is weak and out dated. The purpose of this review is to critically reevaluate current state‐of‐the‐art with respect to revascularization of patients with ULMCAD who are acceptable surgical candidates. In doing so we will highlight the divergence between practice guidelines and patient‐centered clinical decision‐making; critically appraise the “evidence” underlying the current practice guidelines; review the emerging data regarding utility of CABG versus PCI in these patients; and finally discuss the elements of a contemporary approach to clinical decision‐making in light of the current state of knowledge. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A modified provisional stenting approach to coronary bifurcation lesions: clinical application of the "jailed-balloon technique"

Objectives: To demonstrate the application of a novel provisional side branch (SB) stenting strategy for coronary bifurcation lesions using a “jailed‐balloon” technique (JBT). Background: Adverse cardiac events are higher for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of bifurcation lesions. Recent studies support the use of provisional SB stenting, but a risk of SB closure and a higher rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR) remain important limitations. Methods: From December 2007 to August 2010, 100 patients with 102 bifurcation lesions underwent PCI using the JBT. Baseline and postprocedural quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) analysis were performed. Procedural and immediate clinical outcomes were reviewed. Results: The majority of patients presented with acute coronary syndrome (68%) and had Medina class 1,1,1 bifurcation lesions (91%). TIMI 3 flow was established in 100% of main branch and 99% of SB lesions. QCA revealed preservation of the bifurcation angle after PCI (pre‐PCI: 59.6 ± 30.0; post‐PCI: 63.3 ± 26.8, P = 0.41). Nine patients (9%) had lesions that required rewiring and two patients (2%) required provisional stenting of the SB. SB loss occurred in one patient (1%). The jailed‐balloon or wire was not entrapped during any PCI. One patient (1%) suffered a periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI). Conclusions: Provisional stenting of complex coronary bifurcation lesions using a JBT is associated with a high procedural success rate, improved SB patency, and a low rate of immediate cardiac events. Further study is warranted to evaluate the role of JBT in improving long‐term clinical outcomes in PCI of complex bifurcation lesions. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:289–296)     

Update on Provisional Technique for Bifurcation Interventions

A series of scientific evidence supports the concept that provisional side-branch stenting should be the preferred strategy for percutaneous coronary intervention of bifurcation coronary lesions. However, to date, many interventional cardiologists still consider this technique unsuitable for complex bifurcation lesions. This is mainly due to the fact that provisional stenting may be performed in different ways and several technical refinements may influence the procedural outcome. We here systematically overviewed the arguments which should be considered during the following steps of the provisional strategy: branch wiring, side-branch predilation, “crossover” stenting, proximal optimization, kissing balloon and the side-branch rescue techniques. We suggest that provisional stenting should be regarded as a highly flexible technique which, with specific technical tricks, may allow us to safely treat patients with wide spectrum of bifurcated lesion complexity.     

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Bifurcation: How Can We Outperform the Provisional Strategy?

In the era of drug‐eluting stents, the provisional stenting strategy has been established as the default strategy in percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcation lesions. However, emerging evidence shows that, in selected situations, the complex strategy of stenting both vessels regardless could reduce side‐branch restenosis without penalty. In particular, the double kissing crush technique has been proven to outperform the provisional strategy and other complex strategies in randomized trials. In this review, we present the evidence comparing the 2 strategies and individual stenting techniques and discuss the roles of other optimization techniques such as final kissing balloon inflation, proximal optimization technique, intravascular ultrasonography, and optical coherence tomography. Finally, we suggest a practical approach for choosing the optimal strategy for intervention with coronary bifurcation lesions.     

Drug-coated balloon in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions: A hope or hype?

When compared to non-bifurcation lesions, percutaneous coronary intervention in coronary bifurcation lesions is technically demanding and has historically been limited by lower procedural success rates and inferior clinical results. Following the development of drug-eluting stents, dramatically better results have been demonstrated. In most of the bifurcation lesions, the provisional technique of implanting a single stent in the main branch (MB) remains the default approach. However, some cases require more complex two-stent techniques which carry the risk of side branch (SB) restenosis. The concept of leaving no permanent implant behind is appealing because of the complexity of bifurcation anatomy with significant size mismatch between proximal and distal MB which may drive rates of in-stent restenosis and the potential impact of MB stenting affecting SB coronary flow dynamics. With the perspective of leaving lower metallic burden, a drug-coated balloon (DCB) has been utilized to treat bifurcations in both the MB and SB. The author gives an overview of the existing state of knowledge and prospects for the future for using DCB to treat bifurcation lesions.