Update in management of coronary bifurcation lesions in the drug-eluting stent era

Despite advances in percutaneous coronary interventions, treatment of coronary lesions remains a challenge for the interventional cardiologists. It has been relatively more successful to manage the bifurcation lesions, which entail higher procedural success rates, lower costs, shorter hospitalization and lower clinical and angiographic restenosis rates in comparison with non-bifurcation lesions. After introduction of drug-eluting stents, there has been substantial reduction in event rate and main vessel restenosis, although the side branch ostial residual stenosis and long-term restenosis continue to pose a problem. This article reviews the various techniques being currently employed with varying degrees of success.