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.     

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)     

Immediate results of bifurcational stenting assessed with optical coherence tomography

Background : A tubular stent may adapt with difficulty to coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs). Methods : Time domain or frequency domain (FD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed to assess strut apposition immediately after stent implantation across four segments inside the bifurcation, in a consecutive series of patients. OCT pullbacks were performed in the main vessel (MV). Results : A total of 13,142 struts in 45 CBL in 41 patients were assessed. Strut malapposition was significantly more frequent in the half bifurcation facing the side‐branch (SB) ostium (42.9%) than in the proximal segment of the bifurcation 11.8%, half bifurcation opposite the SB 6.7%, or the distal segment 5.7% (all P < 0.0001). Lesions (n = 15) treated with stenting of both MV and SB had a total higher rate of malapposition than those (n = 30) treated with stenting of the MV only (17.6% vs. 9.5%; P = 0.0014). In latter group, lesions treated with FD‐OCT‐guided stent implantation (n = 13) presented a lower rate of malapposition than those treated with conventional angiographic‐guided stent implantation (n = 17) (7.1% vs. 17.5%; P = 0.005). Conclusions : In CBL, strut malapposition is particularly high at the SB ostium. However, a strategy of stenting MV only with adjunctive FD‐OCT guidance is associated with lower rates of malapposition. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

DK mini-culotte stenting in the treatment of true coronary bifurcation lesions: a propensity score matching comparison with T-provisional stenting

The conventional culotte technique remains not to be widely used for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions due to its inherent drawbacks. Here, we developed a double kissing mini-culotte stenting (DK mini-culotte) and assessed its efficacy and safety by a propensity score matching comparison (PSM) with T-provisional stenting. From June 2010 to June 2012, a total of 223 consecutive patients with true coronary bifurcation lesions (TCBLs) were treated with DK mini-culotte (91 patients with 92 lesions) or T-provisional stenting (132 patients with 135 lesions). We performed a PSM to correct the confounders from clinical and lesion’s characteristics. The primary endpoint was cumulative major adverse cardiac event (MACE) at 1 year including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization or target lesion revascularization (TVR/TLR). The secondary endpoint was the rate of side branch (SB) restenosis at 12 months. After a PSM, there were 66 patients in each group. Additional SB stenting in the T-provisional group was performed in 10 (15.2 %) lesions. The incidence of 1-year cumulative MACE was 4.55 % for the DK mini-culotte versus 13.6 % for T-provisional stenting (P = 0.127), the rate of TVR/TLR was 1.52 % for DK mini-culotte versus 12.12 % for T-provisional stenting (P = 0.033). The SB binary restenosis rate was 5.6 % in the DK mini-culotte group and 22.4 % in the T-provisional group (P = 0.014). In summary, despite that there is no difference in MACE between groups, DK mini-culotte significantly reduce TVR/TLR and SB restenosis in the treatment of true coronary bifurcation lesions.     

The ACSIS Registry and primary angioplasty following coronary bypass surgery

The current evidence‐base pertaining to PCI in coronary bifurcation lesions is not adequate to inform decision making in all patients, hence a gap still exists between the evidence‐base and patient‐centered decision‐making. Although meta‐analyses of the existing RCTs improve the statistical power of the data they do not remedy the problem of trial design. The reason for the gap between “evidence” and patient‐centered decision‐making is that the research methodology used in the RCTs does not simulate the questions asked in practice. The purpose of this review is to make the case for a counter perspective to the narrative that provisional stenting (PS) [stenting the main vessel (MV), with additional stenting of the side branch (SB) only in the case of an unsatisfactory result] is better than elective double stenting (EDS) of both branches in all patients. Namely, that neither approach should be the default strategy in all patients with bifurcation lesions and a decision as to which technique to use should be based on the patient's bifurcation anatomy. The majority of patients with bifurcation lesions will have anatomy that can be safely treated with PS; however, some patients have “at risk” bifurcation anatomy where PS may be associated with high risk of side branch occlusion. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Long‐term outcome of provisional side‐branch T‐stenting for the treatment of unprotected distal left main coronary artery disease

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on distal left main (LM) remains an independent predictor of poor outcome. The strategy of implanting one stent on the main branch (MB), with provisional stenting on the side‐branch (SB) only when required (provisional T‐stenting), has become the default approach to most bifurcation lesions. This prospective registry sought to investigate the long‐term safety and efficacy of provisional SB T‐stenting for the treatment of unprotected distal LM disease in patients undergoing PCI. From January 2006 to May 2009, 107 consecutive patients affected by unprotected distal LM disease underwent PCI at our center with the intent to use a provisional SB‐stenting technique. We evaluated the rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at long‐term follow‐up (up to 12–41 months). Procedural success was obtained in 98% of patients. A final kissing balloon inflation was performed in 95% and intravascular ultrasound in 83% of patients. Additional stenting on the SB after provisional stenting on MB was required in 29% of lesions. Long‐term follow‐up (3.5 years; 25–75th percentile and 1.1–4.5 years) was completed in 97% of patients. The cumulative incidence of MACE was 32.7%: all‐cause death was 15.8%, nonfatal myocardial infarction 8.4%, and target vessel revascularization 21.5%. At multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio, 2.08; 95% confidence interval: 2.01–3.32, P = 0.03), European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (HR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04–1.33, P = 0.02), and diabetes mellitus (HR 3.48, 95% CI: 1.12–6.87, P = 0.01) were identified as independent predictors of MACE. In patients with unprotected distal LM disease undergoing PCI, a provisional strategy of stenting the MB only is associated with good long‐term clinical outcomes. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Serial intravascular ultrasound analysis comparing double kissing and classical crush stenting for coronary bifurcation lesions

Background : Compared with the classical crush, double kissing (DK) crush improved outcomes in patients with coronary bifurcation lesions. However, there is no serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) comparisons between these two techniques. Objectives : This study aimed to analyze the mechanisms of the two crush stenting techniques using serial IVUS imaging. Methods : A total of 54 patients with IVUS images at baseline, post‐stenting and eight‐month follow‐up were classified into classical (n = 16) and DK (n = 38) groups. All patients underwent final kissing balloon inflation (FKBI). Unsatisfactory kissing (KUS) was defined as the presence of wrist or >20% stenosis during FKBI at the side branch (SB) ostium. The vessels at bifurcation lesions were divided into the proximal main vessel (MV) stent, the crushed segment, the distal MV stent, the SB ostium and the SB stent body. Results : KUS and incomplete crushing were commonly observed in the classical group (62.5%, 81.3%), compared with DK group (18.0%, 39.5%, P < 0.001 and P = 0.004). The post‐stenting stent symmetry in the classical group was 71.85 ± 7.69% relative to 85.93 ± 6.09% in DK group (P = 0.022), resulting in significant differences in neointimal hyperplasia (NIH, 1.60 ± 0.21 mm² vs. 0.85 ± 0.23 mm², P = 0.005), late lumen loss (1.31 ± 0.81 mm² vs. 0.55 ± 0.70 mm², P = 0.013), and minimal lumen area (MLA, 3.57 ± 1.52 mm² vs. 4.52 ± 1.40 mm^2, P = 0.042) at the SB ostium between two groups. KUS was positively correlated with the incomplete crush and was the only predictor of in‐stent‐restenosis (ISR) at the SB ostium. Conclusion : DK crush was associated with improved quality of the FKBI and larger MLA. KUS predicted the occurrence of ISR. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Results of provisional stenting with a Sirolimus-eluting stent for bifurcation lesion: multicenter study in Japan

BACKGROUND: Treatment of bifurcation lesion with a drug-eluting stent (DES) remains problematic. The purpose of this study was to investigate an appropriate treatment strategy for bifurcation lesion with a Sirolimus-eluting stent (SES). METHOD: One-hundred-forty-one patients with 169 bifurcation lesions were treated at three centers in Japan using a Sirolimus-eluting stent. Forty-six lesions (39 patients) were treated on side branches, and provisional stenting was performed in these cases. We evaluated the angiographic results and clinical outcomes with this strategy. Patients with acute myocardial infarction were excluded. RESULT: After a follow-up period of 184 +/- 65 days, there were no deaths or myocardial infarction (MI), and only one (2.0%) target lesion revascularization (TLR). The strategies used for side-branch treatment were balloon only (83.7%) and T or Modified T stent (16.3%). The final kissing balloon technique was performed on 53.4% overall. In patients with a 6-month follow-up angiogram who had 25 bifurcation lesions (including 5 LMT bifurcation Lesions, 6 LCX-OM Lesions, 13 LAD-Dx lesions, and 1 RCA lesion) that were treated with balloon only, the percent diameter stenosis (%DS) of the side branch at follow-up was similar to that after the procedure (47.2 +/- 34.4% vs. 46.4 +/- 24.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of bifurcation lesions using a SES, the results of provisional stenting for the side branch are acceptable. Percent DS of the side branch remained unchanged over time after PCI.     

Strategies for drug‐eluting stent treatment of bifurcation coronary artery disease in the United States: Insights from the e‐Cypher S.T.L.L.R.Trial

Objectives: Our goal is to report the first large multicenter data for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of bifurcation disease with drug‐eluting stents (DES) in the United States. Background: Bifurcation PCI remains a challenge to this date. There are limited data on outcomes of patients treated with bifurcation DES implantation, particularly in the United States. Methods: There were 161 patients with bifurcation disease [side branch (SB) ≥2‐mm] treated with ≥1 sirolimus‐eluting stents at 41 centers participating in the Stent deployment Techniques on cLinicaL outcomes of patients treated with the cypheR?stent (STLLR) trial. There was no protocol mandated strategy for bifurcation PCI. One‐year outcome data were collected. Angiographic and clinical data were adjudicated independently. Results: There were 147 patients (91.3%) treated with single stent strategy. Only 14 (8.7%) patients received sirolimus‐eluting stents implantation in both branches. Among patients with single stent strategy, double wire strategy (DW) was selected in 27 (18.4%) patients whereas single wire strategy (SW) was selected in 120 (81.6%) patients. There were 48 (32.7%) Medina 1,1,1 bifurcations treated with SW (n = 34; 70.8%) and DW (n = 14; 29.2%). There were 26 procedures started with SW which had SB dilatation during the procedure, one as a bailout (TIMI‐1 grade flow in the SB). Overall 1‐year death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization occurred in 2.4, 4.0, and 5.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between SW and DW. SB dilatation was associated with a high rate of stent thrombosis (8.6%). Conclusions: Main branch stenting without SB protection is the most common approach utilized in the STLLR study, which may reflect contemporary DES bifurcation strategies in the Unite States. This strategy was associated with an acceptable low incidence of adverse outcomes at 1‐year. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Results From the International Drug Coated Balloon Registry for the Treatment of Bifurcations. Can a Bifurcation Be Treated Without Stents?

Objectives

This observational study assessed the 9‐month clinical outcomes in patients with coronary bifurcation lesions suitable for drug‐coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. It was the intention to use DCB's without additional stenting (DCB‐only strategy) in selected patients for this chosen strategy. Bail‐out main branch (MB) and/or side branch (SB) stenting, however, were permissible when flow limiting dissections or excessive recoil occurred.

Background

A multitude of interventional strategies have been studied to treat bifurcation lesions. With the availability of DCB angioplasty, investigators have been using this interventional tool with the optional implantation of bare metal stents (BMS).

Methods

This study is an international, prospective, multicenter registry enrolling patients with coronary bifurcation lesions including a side branch ≥2 mm in diameter. Patients with stable angina and documented ischemia or selected forms of unstable angina due to a culprit bifurcation lesion of any Medina classification type were recruited. The primary endpoint was clinically driven target‐lesion revascularization (TLR) at 9 months. Secondary endpoints included 9‐month major adverse cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction, or TLR), technical success, in‐hospital outcomes and vessel thrombosis rates.

Results

A total 127 patients 66.1 ± 10.1 years of age were enrolled. Demographic characteristics were 80.3% (102/127) male gender, 31.5% (40/127) diabetes, 91.3% (116/127) hypertension, 7.1% (9/127) ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and 9.4% (12/127) non ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The 130 lesions were treated with 184 DCB's and 64 BMS. In 53.8% (70/130) of all lesions the DCB‐only strategy could be used while 34.6% (45/130) of lesions had at least 1 stent (BMS) in the main branch, 8.5% (11/130) had at least 1 stent in the side branch and 3.1% (4/130) needed at least 1 stent in the main and side branch. 94.5% patients (121/127) were available for follow‐up after 9.8 ± 2.0 months. The TLR rate was 4.6% in the absence of any thrombotic events in the treated vessels whereas the 9‐month MACE rate was 6.2%.

Conclusion

This observational study suggests that the DCB‐only strategy is safe and effective to treat selected bifurcations while benefiting from a shortened dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

     

Prospective evaluation of myocardial ischemia related to post‐procedural side‐branch stenosis in bifurcated lesions treated by provisional approach with drug‐eluting stents

Objectives : To prospectively assess the impact of post‐procedural side‐branch (SB) stenosis on inducible myocardial ischemia in patients with bifurcated lesions undergoing percutaneous interventions. Background : Provisional‐stenting with drug‐eluting stents (DES) is the recommended strategy to treat percutaneously bifurcated lesions but is associated to variable degrees of residual SB stenosis. The role of SB residual stenosis on post‐procedural myocardial ischemia is uncertain. Methods : Patients with bifurcations treated by DES according to provisional‐stenting technique were enrolled in the study if they had no other untreated lesion. Patients were divided into two groups according to post‐procedural 3D‐quantitative coronary analysis (3DQCA): group OR (optimal result: stenosis < 50% of SB lumen area at 3DQCA) and group SR, suboptimal result: (stenosis ≥ 50% of SB lumen area at 3DQCA). Treadmill exercise stress test (EST) was performed within 1 week from PCI. The primary study endpoint was myocardial ischemia (≥1 mm ST‐segment depression at EST). Results : Sixty patients were enrolled: 49 (81.7%) comprised group OR and 11 (18.3%) group SR. Post‐PCI myocardial ischemia at EST was inducible in 17 (34.7%) patients of group OR versus 10 (90.9%) patients of group SR (P = 0.0007). During the follow‐up, patients of Group SR (vs. Group OR) had a significantly higher occurrence of inducible myocardial ischemia during late (>8 weeks) stress tests (P < 0.001). Conclusions : In patients with bifurcated lesions treated by a provisional‐stenting technique, residual SB stenosis ≥ 50% at 3DQCA is associated with post‐procedural inducible myocardial ischemia at EST. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Validity and variability in visual assessment of stenosis severity in phantom bifurcation lesions: a survey in experts during the fifth meeting of the European Bifurcation Club

Objectives : To investigate the adequacy of visual estimate regarding the percent diameter stenosis (DS) in bifurcation lesions. Background: Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) is more accurate and precise compared to visual estimate in assessing stenosis severity in single‐vessel lesions. Methods: Thirty‐six experts in the field of bifurcation PCI visually assessed the DS in cine images of five precision manufactured phantom bifurcation lesions, experts being blinded to the true values. Expert DS estimates were compared with the true values and they were also used to define the Medina class of each individual bifurcation. Results were pooled together both for proximal main vessel (PMV), distal main vessel (DMV) and side‐branch (SB) segments and for vessel segments with similar DS values. Results: Individual performance was highly variable among observers; pooled values and range of accuracy and precision were 2.79% (?6.67% to 17.33%) and 8.69% (4.31–16.25%), respectively. On average, DS was underestimated in the PMV (?1.08%, P = 0.10) and overestimated in the DMV (3.86% P < 0.01) and SB segments (5.58%, P < 0.01). Variability in visual estimates was significantly larger in lesions of medium severity compared to the clearly obstructive ones (P < 0.01); the latter were consistently overestimated. Inter‐observer agreement was moderate (κ = 0.55) over the entire number of estimates. However, if the segments with true DS = 0% were excluded, agreement was diminished (κ = 0.27). Inter‐observer agreement in Medina class was rather low (κ = 0.21). True bifurcation lesions were misclassified as non‐true ones in 14/180 estimates. Conclusions: Visual assessment by experts is more variable and less precise in the analysis of bifurcation lesions compared to bifurcation QCA software. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

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.     

Dedicated bifurcation stents – Mechanistic,hardware, and technical aspects

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in bifurcation lesions is associated with lower success rate, higher acute complication rates and higher event rates in follow-up.The reason for this higher than usual complication rate relates to the relationship between anatomy, flow, and atheroma distribution in bifurcation lesions.Further, stenting these lesions can be a prolonged procedure and can be technically more demanding. The most common complication is the loss of significant side branch (SB). Main vessel (MV) stenting may enhance the carina displacement and atheroma shift across the SB ostium leading to SB ostium narrowing.Finally, complications, if they occur, are more difficult to manage. Dedicated bifurcation stent has been developed to overcome the number of limitations associated with conventional bifurcation PCI. The main advantage of most dedicated bifurcation stents is to allow the operator to perform the procedure on a bifurcation lesion without the need to rewire the SB.     

In‐Hospital and 12‐Month Postprocedural Clinical Outcome of Coronary Bifurcational Lesion Treatment with the Endeavor Stent

Background: The zotarolimus‐eluting stent (ZES) has been documented as significantly reducing restenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR) requirement compared to bare metal stents (BMS). Methods: In this single‐centered, prospective study we sought to evaluate the short‐ and medium‐term outcomes of ZES placement in bifurcated coronary artery lesions. Between August 2006 and December 2007, 107 consecutive patients (110 bifurcations) were recruited to have ZES placement in the lesion. The provisional T stenting (PTS) technique was used in 96.3%. Angiographic success was 100% in main vessel (MV) cases and 97.2% in that of side branch (SB). Results: With a mean follow‐up of 12.4 ± 1.77 (mean ± SD) months there were four deaths, three from cardiac cause (2.85%). There were 18 patients (19 bifurcations) requiring TLR (17.59%) for clinical reasons. The only predictor of TLR was the use diameter of ZES ≤3 mm. Conclusion: ZES can be used for bifurcation lesions using the PTS technique with a high rate of intraprocedural success; however, frequency of TLR is high, especially for stents with a diameter ≤3 mm. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:188‐194)     

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.     

The Carina Angle—New Geometrical Parameter Associated with Periprocedural Side Branch Compromise and the Long‐Term Results in Coronary Bifurcation Lesions with Main Vessel Stenting Only

Background: The two main problems unresolved in coronary bifurcation stenting are periprocedural side branch compromise and higher restenosis at long term. The purpose of this study is to reveal the link between periprocedural side branch compromise and long‐term results after main vessel stenting only in coronary bifurcations. Methods: Eighty‐four patients formed the study population. The inclusion criteria were good‐quality angiograms, with maximal between‐branch angle opening, no overlap, permitting accurate angiographic analysis. Carina angle (α)—the distal angle between main vessel (MV) before bifurcation and side branch (SB)—was measured pre‐ and poststenting. Clinical follow‐up 9–12 months was obtained with coronary angiography if needed. Results: The patient population was high‐risk with 33% diabetics and 84% two‐ and three‐vessel disease. Ninety‐five stents were implanted in 92 lesions, with three T‐stenting cases. Drug‐eluting stents were implanted in 54%. Kissing‐balloon (KBI) or sequential inflation was performed in 35%. SB functional closure occurred in 17.4%, with independent predictors α < 40° and diameter ratio MB/SB >1.22. After 12±4 months there were five myocardial infarctions (6%) and 13 (15%) target lesion revascularization procedures. Independent predictors of major cardiovascular events were carina angle <40°, MB lesion length >8 mm, negative change of between‐branch angle, DES usage, and KBI. Conclusions: Smaller carina angle with straightening of MV—main branch from stent implantation in coronary bifurcations predicted higher SB compromise, restenosis, and MACE rates during follow‐up of 1 year.     

Dosing radiation: Limiting the invisible toxicity

Background: Distal embolization during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions is associated with a high rate of myonecrosis. Although direct stenting (DS) is feasible with less catheter manipulations, its ability to prevent distal embolization in SVG lesions compared with distal protection devices (DPD) is unknown. Methods: The study included 188 SVG lesions subjected to PCI, 101 patients with 101 lesions treated with DPD, and 87 patients with 87 lesions by DS without DPD. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in‐hospital and at 30 days were compared. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable, except for higher frequencies of unstable angina (53% vs. 67%, P = 0.045) and prior myocardial infarction (38% vs. 53%, P = 0.07) in the DS group. There was no difference in lesion type aside from more restenotic lesions in the DS group (7% vs. 16%, P = 0.047). Drug‐eluting stent deployment was similar. Stent length in the DPD group (22.8 ± 7.2 mm) was significantly longer than that in the DS group (17.6 ± 8.0 mm, P < 0.001). Although maximum creatine kinase (CK)‐MB value in the DPD group (2.5 ± 5.8 ng/ml) was significantly larger than in the DS group (1.3 ± 1.5 ng/ml, P = 0.039), the frequency of CK‐MB rise >2 times the upper limit of normal did not differ (11% vs. 6%, P = 0.2). There were no differences in MACE rates in‐hospital and at 30 days. By multivariate analysis, neither DPD nor DS was a significant predictor for maximum CK‐MB value. Conclusion: DS should be considered an alternative treatment to PCI with DPD for selected SVG lesions. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Long-term outcomes after stenting of bifurcation lesions with the "crush" technique: predictors of an adverse outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate predictors of an adverse outcome after "crush" bifurcation stenting. BACKGROUND: The "crush" technique is a recently introduced strategy with limited data regarding long-term outcomes. METHODS: We identified 231 consecutive patients treated with drug-eluting stent implantation with the "crush" technique for 241 de novo bifurcation lesions. Clinical follow-up was obtained in 99.6%. RESULTS: The in-hospital major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate was 5.2%. At 9 months, 10 (4.3%) patients had an event consistent with possible post-procedural stent thrombosis. Survival free of target lesion revascularization (TLR) was 90.3%; the only independent predictor of TLR was left main stem (LMS) therapy (odds ratio [OR] 4.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.00 to 12.37, p = 0.001). Survival free of MACE was 83.5% and independent predictors of MACE were LMS therapy (OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.76 to 8.14, p = 0.001) and treatment of patients with multivessel disease (OR 4.21; 95% CI 0.95 to 18.56, p = 0.058). Angiographic follow-up was obtained in 77% of lesions at 8.3 +/- 3.7 months. The mean late loss of the main vessel and side branch were 0.30 +/- 0.64 mm and 0.41 +/- 0.67 mm, respectively, with binary restenosis rates of 9.1% and 25.3%. Kissing balloon post-dilation significantly reduced the side branch late lumen loss (0.24 +/- 0.50 mm vs. 0.58 +/- 0.77 mm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The crush technique of bifurcation stenting with drug-eluting stents is associated with favorable outcomes for most lesions; however, efficacy appears significantly reduced in LMS bifurcations, and further research is needed before the technique can be routinely recommended in this group. Furthermore, the incidence of possible stent thrombosis is of concern and requires further investigation. Kissing balloon post-dilatation is mandatory to reduce side branch restenosis.     

Three‐year outcome of drug‐eluting stent implantation for coronary artery bifurcation lesions

Objectives: To compare the very long‐term clinical outcomes of bifurcation lesions using the crush and the simultaneous kissing stent (SKS) techniques. Background: A variety of two‐stent techniques have been used to treat coronary artery bifurcation lesions in the drug‐eluting stent era, but the long‐term clinical outcome of these approaches is not known. Methods: A total of 74 consecutive patients underwent bifurcation stenting using either the crush or SKS techniques. Mean patient age was 66.91 ± 11.3 years; 26% were diabetic, and the left anterior descending/diagonal bifurcation was the most frequently treated lesion (68%). Results: In‐hospital outcomes were not significantly different between groups. Over a median follow‐up of 3.3 years, 1 patient in the SKS group and 3 patients in the crush group died (P = ns). Probable stent thrombosis leading to death according to the Academic Research Consortium definition occurred in 1 patient in the crush group. Mortality in the remaining 3 patients was noncardiac. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) occurred in 14 patients (40%) in the SKS group and 5 patients (12.8%) in the crush group (P = 0.015). Survival free from major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was significantly less in the SKS group and predominantly driven by TLR (60 vs. 88%, P = 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, over a median of 3.3 years of follow‐up, TLR and MACE are significantly lower in bifurcation lesions treated with the crush technique when compared with the SKS technique. Definite or probable stent thrombosis is rare with either technique. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.