Orbital Atherectomy for Treatment of Severely Calcified Coronary Artery Bifurcation Lesions: A Multicenter Analysis

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the safety and efficacy of orbital atherectomy (OA) for the treatment of severely calcified coronary artery bifurcation lesions.BackgroundPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of severely calcified coronary artery lesions is associated with lower procedural success and higher rates of target lesion failure compared to non-calcified lesions. OA is an effective treatment for calcified coronary artery lesions prior to stent implantation. However, there is little data regarding the safety and efficacy of OA in patients with coronary artery bifurcation lesions.MethodsData were obtained from analysis of patients with severe coronary artery calcification who underwent OA and coronary stent implantation at ten high-volume institutions. Data were pooled and analyzed to assess peri-procedural outcomes and 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE).ResultsA total of 1156 patients were treated with OA and PCI. 363 lesions were at a coronary artery bifurcation. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the bifurcation and non-bifurcation groups. In the bifurcation group, treatment involved the left anterior descending artery and its branches more frequently and right coronary artery less frequently. After propensity score matching, the 30-day freedom from MACE was not statistically significant between the two groups.ConclusionIn this multicenter cohort analysis, patients with severely calcified coronary bifurcation lesions had low rates of MACE and target vessel revascularization at 30 days at rates comparable to non-bifurcation lesions. This analysis demonstrates that OA is safe and effective for complex coronary lesions at both bifurcation and non-bifurcation locations.     

Predictors and Periprocedural Myocardial Injury Rate of Small Side Branches Occlusion in Coronary Bifurcation Intervention

Occlusion of small side branch (SB) may result in significant adverse clinical events. We aim to characterize the predictors of small SB occlusion and incidence of periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) in coronary bifurcation intervention.Nine hundred twenty-five consecutive patients with 949 bifurcation lesions (SB ≤ 2.0 mm) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were studied. All clinical characteristics, coronary angiography findings, PCI procedural factors, and quantitative coronary angiographic analysis data were collected. SB occlusion after main vessel (MV) stenting was defined as no blood flow or any thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade decrease in SB after MV stenting. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of small SB occlusion. Creatine kinase-myocardial band activity was determined by using an immunoinhibition assay and confirmed by mass spectrometry. Incidence of PMI between no SB occlusion group and SB occlusion group was compared.SB occlusion occurred in 86 (9.1%) of 949 bifurcation lesions. Of SB occlusion, total occlusion occurred in 64 (74.4%) lesions and a decrease in TIMI flow occurred in 22 (25.6%) lesions. True bifurcation lesion, irregular plaque, predilation in SB, preprocedural SB TIMI flow grade, preprocedural diameter stenosis of distal MV, preprocedural diameter stenosis of bifurcation core, bifurcation angle, diameter ratio between MV and SB, diameter stenosis of SB before MV stenting, and MV lesion length were independent risk factors of SB occlusion. We observed a significantly higher incidence of PMI in each cutoff level in patients with SB occlusion compared with those without SB occlusion.True bifurcation lesion, irregular plaque, and 8 other predictors were independent predictors of SB occlusion. Patients with small SB occlusion had significant higher incidence of PMI.     

Coronary lesions quantification with dual-axis rotational coronary angiography

BackgroundCoronary angiography (CA) has been the gold standard technique for studying coronary artery disease. It is based on the analysis of bidimensional orthogonal projections that may not be optimal to estimate determinate coronary segments. Rotational angiography “Xperswing” (DARCA) is a new technique that allows the visualization of the coronary arteries from multiple views, with a single contrast injection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the coronary lesions quantification with DARCA.MethodsQuantitative coronary analysis of significant coronary stenosis (> 50%) was performed. Every lesion was measured in two different projections: the “optimal projection”, obtained by DARCA and defined by the operator as the one with a better lesion qualification, and the “standard projection”, corresponding to the usual projection closer to the optimal one in obliquity and angulation. Measures were performed twice and by two independent operators. Intra- and inter-observer correlation was estimated by Kappa index and variables were compared with t Student test (SPSS 14.0).Results205 lesions in 147 patients were analyzed. Kappa coefficient intra-observer was 0.80 and 0.86 respectively with an inter-observer correlation index of 0.72. Lesion length and maximal diameter of the vessel were significantly greater in the group of RA. In the segments analysis, calculated length was longer for the first diagonal branch, first marginal obtuse artery, middle circumflex, middle and distal RCA and posterior descending artery, with greater reference diameters for proximal LAD and distal RCA. There were no significant differences for coronary stenosis grade.ConclusionsRA XperSwing provides a better visualization of coronary arteries improving lesions characterization, with longer measured lesions length and greater vessel diameters, especially in coronary segments with more angulation.     

The Importance of Bifurcation Lesions in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundBifurcation lesions at the time of emergent PCI for STEMI are relatively common. However, there are little data regarding their significance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of bifurcation lesions in the setting of emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).MethodsIn 391 patients who underwent primary and rescue PCI, the clinical characteristics, procedural success, and in-hospital cardiac events were compared retrospectively between the patients with and without bifurcation lesions. The PCI strategy was at the discretion of the operator.ResultsThe culprit artery involved a bifurcation lesion in 54/391 (14%) patients. The baseline clinical characteristics between the groups with and without bifurcation lesions were similar. The majority of bifurcation lesions (81%) were seen in the left anterior ascending (LAD) artery. All lesions were treated with the provisional stenting approach, and only 2 (3%) patients required 2 stents. There were no difference in the procedural success and the final TIMI-3 flow, but PCI of bifurcation lesion required higher amount of contrast use. There was no in-hospital MACE in the bifurcation group. The peak cardiac enzyme, left ventricular function, and length of stay were similar in these 2 groups.ConclusionsBifurcation lesions are relatively common in emergent PCI for STEMI involving the LAD. It can be safely treated with a provisional stenting approach, and the immediate outcome is similar to non-bifurcation lesions.     

Use of ‘Guideliner’ catheter to overcome failure of delivery of Absorb™ Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold in calcified tortuous coronary lesions: Technical considerations in ‘Real World Patients’

In our series of 177 real world patients (223 lesions) who underwent Absorb Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS) implantation, 78 lesions were calcified and tortuous lesions. In four of these, despite adequate lesion bed preparation, appropriate guiding catheter support and use of buddy wires, the BVS failed to track through the proximal calcified and tortuous coronary anatomy (CTCA). “Guide Liner” catheter (GLC) had to be finally used to resuccessfully deliver and implant BVS to the lesion site.We report for the first time four cases of use of guideliner catheter to successfully overcome failed delivery of BVS to the lesion site through proximal CTCA, calcified and tortuous coronary artery (CTCA) lesions treated with Absorb™ BVS. Because the BVS is a large profile device, certain difficulties were encountered in delivering it through the GLC, which were finally overcome. We have therefore discussed the ‘lessons and learnt’ and “salient practice points” to enable successful delivery of BVS through the GLC.     

Outcomes after Atherectomy Treatment of Severely Calcified Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: A Single Center Experience

BackgroundCoronary bifurcation and calcified lesions account for 15–20% and 6%–20% of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), respectively. Treatment of these lesions is associated with high periprocedural complication rates and unfavorable long-term clinical outcomes, including high rates of revascularization. This retrospective, single-center study evaluated the outcomes of atherectomy treatment for heavily calcified coronary bifurcation lesions.MethodsPatients who underwent a coronary atherectomy procedure to treat a heavily calcified lesion between January 2010 and March 2016 at Metropolitan Heart and Vascular Institute (Minneapolis, MN) were included in this retrospective study. Data were stratified to compare atherectomy treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions vs non-bifurcation lesions. Additionally, data were compared based on type of atherectomy utilized during the index procedure, either orbital (OAS) or rotational (RA) atherectomy. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR), were assessed at 30 days post-procedure.ResultsAmong the 177 patients treated with atherectomy, 72 patients had bifurcation lesions. Compared to patients with non-bifurcation lesions, patients with bifurcation lesions were more likely to have a history of prior PCI or coronary artery bypass grafting. Bifurcation lesions required a higher volume of contrast. There were similar low rates of slow flow/no-reflow (2.8% bifurcations vs 1.0% non-bifurcation; p = 0.355). The 30-day rates of death (1.4% vs 1.9%; p = 0.794), MI (0% vs 0%; p = NA), and TVR (0% vs 1.0%; p = 0.406) were similar in patients with bifurcation lesions versus those without, respectively. An atherectomy sub-analysis (OAS vs RA) of the patients with bifurcation lesions showed that OAS utilization was associated with shorter procedure time (81 min vs 109 min; p = 0.026) and fluoroscopy time (18 min vs 27 min; p = 0.007) compared to RA, respectively—no significant differences in baseline demographic or lesion characteristics were noted in the bifurcation atherectomy sub-groups, except for higher beta/calcium blocker use in RA bifurcation subjects.ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrated that atherectomy treatment in patients with heavily calcified coronary bifurcation lesions is feasible, resulting in similar low 30-day MACE rates as compared to patients with non-bifurcation lesions. In addition, in this study OAS utilization versus RA in bifurcation lesions was associated with significantly shorter procedure and fluoroscopy time. Further studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of atherectomy in patients with severely calcified bifurcation lesions.Summary for annotated table of contentsThis retrospective, single-center study evaluated the outcomes of orbital and rotational atherectomy treatment for heavily calcified coronary bifurcation lesions as compared to non-bifurcation lesions. The results demonstrate that atherectomy treatment in patients with heavily calcified coronary bifurcation lesions is feasible, resulting in similarly low 30-day MACE rates as compared to patients with non-bifurcation lesions. In addition, in this study OAS utilization versus RA in bifurcation lesions was associated with significantly shorter procedure and fluoroscopy time.     

冠状动脉前降支分叉部位斑块分布的特征

目的应用血管内超声的方法探讨冠状动脉前降支-对角支分叉部位前降支血管内动脉硬化斑块的分布情况。方法测量53例前降支-对角支分叉病变处前降支内动脉硬化斑块的体积,将血管按照对角支的位置分为4个象限:分叉嵴侧(象限1)、心包侧(象限2)、分叉对侧(象限3)和心肌侧(象限4),比较各象限斑块的相对分布情况(各象限斑块占总斑块的体积百分比)及分叉远段与近段斑块分布的偏心性指数(象限3的斑块体积与象限1的斑块体积之比)。结果象限3的相对斑块分布最大,其次是象限4和象限2,象限1的斑块分布最小,同时象限4的相对斑块分布大于象限2。此外,分叉远段的血管狭窄程度、病变长度和斑块分布偏心性指数都要大于分叉近段。结论无论是前降支分叉远段还是近段,分叉对侧的相对斑块分布最大,而分叉嵴侧最小。此外,分叉远段的病变更加严重,且斑块分布更加不对称。     

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.     

Functional assessment of sequential coronary artery fistula and coronary artery stenosis with fractional flow reserve and stress adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging

Coronary artery fistula is an abnormal connection between one coronary artery to another coronary artery or cardiac chambers. The coronary artery fistula may cause significant shunting of blood and cause “pseudo-stenosis” or “steal phenomenon”. This will also accentuate pre-existing mild-moderate de novo coronary lesions with resultant greater pressure gradient difference across the lesions. Thus, fractional flow reserve can be a useful tool to guide intervention decision on the coronary artery fistula. There are very few published reports regarding the use of FFR to assess coronary artery fistula. In fact, there is no outcome data regarding the deferment of coronary artery fistula intervention when the FFR is not physiologically significant. This case highlighted the use of FFR to evaluate the functional significance of coronary fistula in the setting of ischemia evaluation and it was proven to be safe to defer intervention with good 3 year clinical outcome. Stress adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging correlated with the FFR result.     

Angiographic prevalence and pattern of coronary artery disease in women

Background

There are not many studies describing the prevalence and pattern of “coronary artery disease” (CAD) in women undergoing “coronary angiography” (CAG). Hence, uncertainty thrives with regard to the angiographic prevalence and pattern of CAD in women.

Objective

Our objective was to study the prevalence and pattern of CAD among women undergoing CAG.

Methods

Data of 500 women who underwent CAG for suspected CAD over 3 years were retrospectively analyzed. They were classified into young group (age < 55 years) and elderly group (age ≥ 55 years). Angiographic profile of “left main disease” (LMD) was also studied.

Results

There was greater prevalence of obstructive CAD especially double vessel disease and triple vessel disease in elderly group while normal coronaries were more prevalent in young group. There was equal distribution of non-significant lesions and intermediate lesions between the two groups. The prevalence of LMD is 3.4%, obstructive CAD is 45.4%, and multivessel disease is 28%. The prevalence of LMD and multivessel disease is 31.4%. The pattern of involvement of coronary arteries was same between the two groups; left anterior descending artery is the most commonly affected vessel. Chronic total occlusion mostly involved right coronary artery. Bifurcation lesion involving distal left main coronary artery is the most prevalent pattern of LMD.

Conclusion

There has been a change with regard to clinical presentation and onset of risk factors for CAD at young age, but the load of atherosclerotic burden and pattern of involvement of coronary arteries have not changed in women.     

Shrinkage of human coronary arteries is an important determinant of de novo atherosclerotic luminal stenosis: an in vivo intravascular ultrasound study

Objective—To assess the occurrence of arterial remodelling types and its relation with the severity of luminal stenosis in atherosclerotic coronary arteries.
Patients and methods—Twenty one de novo coronary lesions of 20 patients, who were scheduled for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), were investigated with intravascular ultrasound before PTCA. Local arterial remodelling at the lesion site was studied by measuring the cross sectional area circumscribed by the external elastic lamina (EEL) relative to the reference site: (EEL area lesion/reference EEL area) × 100%. Three groups were defined. Group A: relative EEL area of less than 95% (shrinkage), group B: relative EEL area between 95% and 105% (no remodelling), group C: relative increase in EEL area of more than 105% (compensatory enlargement).
Results—All three types of remodelling were observed at the lesion site: group A (shrinkage) n = 8, group B (no remodelling) n = 5, group C (compensatory enlargement) n = 8. The mean (SD) relative EEL area at the lesion site in group A and C was 83(9)% and 132(30)%, respectively. In group A, 33% of the luminal area stenosis at the lesion site was caused by shrinkage of the artery. In contrast, group C showed that 87% of the plaque area did not contribute to luminal area stenosis because of compensatory arterial enlargement.
Conclusions—These results show that both compensatory enlargement and paradoxical shrinkage occurs in the atherosclerotic coronary artery. Next to plaque accumulation, the type of atherosclerotic remodelling is an important determinant of luminal narrowing.

Keywords: coronary arteries; atherosclerosis; remodelling; intravascular ultrasound     

Percutaneous interventions in unprotected left main lesions: novel three-dimensional imaging and quantitative analysis before and after intervention

ObjectiveTo examine the potential yield of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of left main coronary lesions.MethodsA novel, previously validated, system for 3D reconstruction of the coronary vessels was used to evaluate 302 angiographic images, before and after stenting, from 62 consecutive patients (age 73.5±11.3 years) with unprotected left main lesions.ResultsThree-dimensional reconstructions significantly improved morphological analysis, especially for ostial and bifurcation lesions. In cases of bifurcation involvement, lesion length was significantly longer in the 3D reconstructions than in the 2D images (12.3±4.1 vs. 10.6±4.9 mm, P=.003). The 3D analysis showed that procedures performed in distal left main were associated with a decrease in the bifurcation angle after intervention (from 82±27° to 72±28°, P=.01). The mortality rate was 18% at 6 months. Elective intervention was associated with significantly lower mortality (5% vs. 39% at 6 months).ConclusionsThree-dimensional reconstruction adds insights on the morphology and lesion length of unprotected left main artery lesions, especially those involving the bifurcation, which may make it an important tool in planning interventional procedures and evaluating their results.     

Predicted and Observed Mortality at 10 Years in Patients With Bifurcation Lesions in the SYNTAX Trial

BackgroundPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of bifurcation lesions is associated with higher rates of adverse events, and currently it is unclear whether PCI or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the safer treatment for these patients at very long-term follow-up.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of bifurcation lesions on individual predicted and observed all-cause 10-year mortality in the SYNTAX (Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) trial.MethodsIn the SYNTAXES (SYNTAX Extended Survival) study, 10-year observed and individual predicted mortality derived from the SYNTAX score 2020 (SS-2020) was compared between patients with ≥1 bifurcation (n = 1,300) and those with no bifurcations (n = 487).ResultsAmong patients treated with PCI, patients with >1 bifurcation lesion compared with those without bifurcation lesions had a significantly higher risk for all-cause death (19.8% vs 30.1%; HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.12-2.14; P = 0.007), whereas following CABG, mortality was similar in patients with and those without bifurcation lesions (23.3% vs 23.0%; HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.59-1.12; P = 0.207; P_interaction = 0.006). In PCI patients, a 2-stent vs a 1-stent technique was associated with higher mortality (33.3% vs 25.9%; HR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.06-2.14; P = 0.021). According to the SS-2020, among those with ≥1 bifurcation, there was equipoise for all-cause mortality between PCI and CABG in 2 quartiles of the population, whereas CABG was superior to PCI in the 2 remaining quartiles.ConclusionsBifurcation lesions require special attention from the heart team, considering the higher 10-year all-cause mortality associated with PCI. Careful evaluation of bifurcation lesion complexity and calculation of individualized 10-year prognosis using the SS-2020 may therefore be helpful in decision making. (Synergy Between PCI With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery: SYNTAX Extended Survival [SYNTAXES], NCT03417050; Taxus Drug-Eluting Stent Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for the Treatment of Narrowed Arteries [SYNTAX], NCT00114972)     

Impact of Coronary Bifurcation Angle on Clinical Outcomes after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Real-World Practice: Results from the COBIS Registry

Objectives: Bifurcation angle has emerged as a predictor of outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bifurcation lesions. We investigated the impact of bifurcation angle on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing bifurcation lesion PCI. Methods: Consecutive patients who received PCI for bifurcation lesions were enrolled from 16 centers in Korea between January 2004 and June 2006. Patients were divided into low-angle and high-angle groups using the median bifurcation angle (50°). We compared major adverse cardiac events, including cardiac death, myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization as well as periprocedural outcomes between the 2 groups. Results: We evaluated 1,432 patients with bifurcation lesions with a median follow-up duration of 21 months. The rates of interventional side branch procedures such as guide-wiring of side branches, side-branch ballooning, final kissing ballooning and side-branch stenting were higher in the low-angle group. However, the incidences of major adverse cardiac events and target lesion revascularization were not significantly different between the 2 groups (6.6 vs. 6.9%, p = 0.856 and 4.6 vs. 5.7%, p = 0.375, respectively). Conclusions: Bifurcation angle may not influence long-term clinical outcome in patients with non-left main bifurcation lesion undergoing PCI despite its association with more interventional side-branch procedures.     

Physiologic Evaluation of Bifurcation Lesions Using Fractional Flow Reserve

Functional evaluation of bifurcation lesions is more difficult than usual lesions due to their complex anatomy. Angiographic and intravascular ultrasound criteria for main branch intervention cannot be directly applied to side branch lesions due to the difference in underlying lesion characteristics, geometric changes during intervention, and the size of myocardial territory. Fractional flow reserve is a physiologic parameter which reflects both the degree of stenosis and the area of perfusion supplied by a specific coronary artery. The present review will focus on using fractional flow reserve in bifurcation lesions.     

Progressão ultrarrápida de doença coronária ou placa instável não detetada?

Coronary artery disease rarely manifests itself in the first decades of life, which explains why this population is underrepresented in clinical studies. The mechanisms and natural history of the disease seem to differ between this population and older patients. Recent studies suggest a more rapid disease progression in youth, presenting more unstable atherosclerotic plaques, although this correlation has yet to be proven. In this paper, we present the case of a 41‐year‐old man who presented with a non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction, with percutaneous coronary intervention of the culprit lesion (70–90% lesion at bifurcation of the circumflex artery with the first marginal obtuse artery and a sub‐occlusive lesion of the ramus intermedius). There was also a non‐significant lesion (estimated at 30%) located in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Ten days after discharge, the patient suffered another non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction. The coronary angiography revealed a surprising sub‐occlusive lesion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Regarding this case, the authors reviewed the literature on the pathophysiology of rapidly progressive coronary artery disease and the approach for non‐significant lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome, especially in the younger population.     

Physiological Approach for Coronary Artery Bifurcation Disease: Position Statement by Korean,Japanese, and European Bifurcation Clubs

Coronary artery bifurcation lesions are frequently encountered in cardiac catheterization laboratories and are associated with more complex procedures and worse clinical outcomes than nonbifurcation lesions. Therefore, anatomical and physiological assessment of bifurcation lesions before, during, and after percutaneous coronary intervention is of paramount clinical importance. Physiological assessment can help interventionalists appreciate the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery disease and guide ischemia-directed revascularization. However, it is important to understand that the physiological approach for bifurcation disease is more important than simply using physiological indexes for its assessment. This joint consensus document by the Korean, Japanese, and European bifurcation clubs presents the concept of a physiological approach for coronary bifurcation lesions, as well as current knowledge, practical tips, pitfalls, and future directions of applying physiological indexes in bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention. This document aims to guide interventionalists in performing appropriate physiology-based assessments and treatment decisions for coronary bifurcation lesions.     

Effect of Presence of Ramus Intermedius Artery on Location of Culprit Lesions in Acute Left Circumflex Coronary Artery Occlusion

Background and aimCoronary artery anatomy frequently affects location of atherosclerotic plaques and subsequent culprit lesions. We sought to clarify whether presence or absence of Ramus Intermedius coronary artery (RI) would affect location of culprit lesions in acute left circumflex (LCX) coronary artery occlusion.MethodsThe study included 180 patients, 100 with a diagnosis of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 80 with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). All culprit lesions were located in the LCX coronary artery. RI group included 45 patients and the No RI group included 135 patients.ResultsCulprit LCX lesions were similarly located at a comparable distance from LCX ostium in both groups and the presence of RI was not associated with significantly more proximally located culprit LCX lesions (34.7 ± 15.2 mm compared to 30.8 ± 17.9 mm respectively, p > 0.05). The frequency distribution of culprit lesions’ distance from LCX ostium showed no significant difference between both groups in any of the segments studied (10 mm each). There was no significant difference between both groups regarding markers of myocardial necrosis size as cardiac biomarkers (peak cardiac troponin-T 1077.4 ± 361.2 pg/dl vs 926 ± 462.2 pg/dl respectively, p = 0.13), (peak creatine kinase-MB 232.2 ± 81 ng/dl vs 194.7 ± 99.2 ng/dl respectively, p = 0.07) or left ventricular ejection fraction (EF 46.3 ± 6.3% vs 48.3 ± 8.3% respectively, p = 0.76).ConclusionPresence of RI coronary artery, as an additional flow divider, may not be associated with more proximal culprit lesions, compared to its absence, in cases of acute LCX coronary artery occlusion. Possible underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms remain to be clarified.     

Bifurcation coronary artery disease: current techniques and future directions (part 1)

The treatment of bifurcation coronary artery disease is a common challenge facing the interventional cardiologist. There have been major advances in techniques as well as more widespread use of drug-eluting stents; both appear to have contributed to the realization of single-digit target lesion revascularization rates as well as improvement in short-term complications such as stent thrombosis. Adequate treatment of the side branch ostium, the site most frequently described as being susceptible to restenosis, has become the focus of newer bifurcation techniques as well as dedicated devices for the treatment of this complex lesion subset. Since main branch reintervention rates are sufficiently low and silent restenosis of the side branch ostium is an all-too-common finding, there is no clear consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for bifurcation coronary disease. The following is a comprehensive review of those commonly used techniques as well as dedicated devices currently under development for the treatment of bifurcation coronary artery disease.     

The Relation Between Optical Coherence Tomography-Detected Layered Pattern and Acute Side Branch Occlusion after Provisional Stenting of Coronary Bifurcation Lesions

Background/purposeLayered pattern (presumed to be healed plaque after a thrombotic event) can be observed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). We sought to assess the ability of OCT-detected plaque composition to predict acute side branch (SB) occlusion after provisional bifurcation stenting.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study using pre-intervention OCT in the main vessel to predict Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade ≤1 in a SB (diameter ≥ 1.5 mm) after provisional bifurcation stenting. OCT-detected layered pattern was defined as plaque with a superficial layer that had a different optical intensity and a clear demarcation from underlying tissue.ResultsOverall, 207 patients with stable coronary disease were included. SB occlusion occurred in 26/207 (12.6%) bifurcation lesions. Operators decided not to perform additional treatment, and TIMI flow did not improve to ≥2 in cases with SB occlusion. The prevalence of OCT-detected layered pattern was more common in lesions with versus without SB occlusion (88.5% versus 33.7%, p < 0.0001); OCT-detected layered pattern was more often located on the same side of the SB (73.9% versus 21.3%, p < 0.0001) circumferentially compared to lesions without SB occlusion. Multivariable analysis showed that OCT-detected layered pattern was an independent predictor of SB occlusion (odds ratio 18.8, 95% confidence interval 5.1–68.8, p < 0.0001) along with true bifurcation lesion and wider angiographic bifurcation angle.ConclusionsThe presence of an OCT-detected layered pattern near its ostium was a strong predictor of SB occlusion after provisional bifurcation stenting.