Simple versus complex stenting strategy for coronary artery bifurcation lesions in the drug-eluting stent era: a meta-analysis of randomised trials

Outcomes of Provisional Stenting With Versus Without Side Branch Intervention in Patients With Bifurcation Lesion-Related ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

To date, the best approach to coronary bifurcation lesion remains unsettled, and the parameters to guide side branch ballooning or stenting are not yet defined. This study aimed to compare the survival outcomes after provisional stenting with versus without side branch intervention. A cohort was conducted on 132 patients who underwent coronary angiography at Toulouse University Hospital for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with large culprit nonleft main coronary bifurcation lesion. Study participants were divided into 2 groups depending on the performance or not of a side branch intervention. We observed the living status at 1-year after hospital discharge. Side branch intervention by balloon inflation or final balloon kissing technique was performed in 34.1% of study participants. At 1-year follow-up, the incidence of all-cause mortality was 7.8 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.1 to 15), and although it seemed higher in the side branch intervention group (10 per 100 person-years [95% CI 3.8 to 26.7] vs 6.6 per 100 persons-years [95% CI 2.8 to 15.9]), the survival analyses showed no differences in survival outcomes (hazard ratio side branch intervention 1.55 [0.42 to 5.78], p = 0.513). In conclusion, in the setting of a coronary bifurcation causing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, simple provisional stenting without side branch intervention showed a low mortality rate and no differences in the 1-year survival outcomes.

Outcome of a polymer-free drug-coated coronary stent in bifurcation lesions-Pilot registry with serial OCT imaging

BACKGROUND

Polymer-free and carrier-free drug-coated stents (DCS) represent a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The objective of this pilot registry is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DCS implantation in bifurcation lesions.

METHODS

Overall, 23 consecutive patients with 24 lesions received a Biolimus A9-coated DCS for coronary bifurcation lesions. Patients were examined with quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at 3-6 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients with 24 bifurcation lesions were included in this study. Nine (33.3%) lesions of eight patients revealed angiographical target lesion failure due to in-stent restenosis (ISR). In total, 19 patients with 20 bifurcation lesions were suitable for OCT analysis. A total of 2936 struts were analyzed and 14 struts (0.47%) were classified as malapposed. The mean luminal area (mm2) was not different in lesions with ISR vs. lesions with no ISR (5.07 ± 2.0 vs. 5.73 ± 1.34, p = 0.39) at follow-up. Lesions with ISR showed higher mean neointimal burden (27.11 ± 10.59 vs. 13.93 ± 9.16%, respectively; p = 0.009). All of the patients who presented with significant ISR required percutaneous re-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a high rate of DCS ISR in bifurcation lesions, possibly related to increased inflammation and neoatherosclerosis. The small size of the study warrants careful interpretation of our results. Larger trials are necessary to expand knowledge of these findings.

Clinical Outcomes Following Simple or Complex Stenting for Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Stent placement remains a challenge for coronary bifurcation lesions. While both simple and complex stenting strategies are available, it is unclear which one results in better clinical outcomes. This meta-analysis aims to explore the long-term prognosis following treatment with the 2 stenting strategies.

Method

Randomized controlled trials found from searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were included in this meta-analysis. The complex stent placement strategy was identified as the control group, and the simple stent placement strategy was identified as the experimental group. Data were synthesized with a random effects model. The quality of the randomized controlled trials was assessed by Jadad scale scores. The clinical endpoints at 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years were analyzed.

Results

A total of 11 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2494 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The odds ratio [OR] of the major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) at 6 months was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53-1.35; P = .49, I ² = 0%). The OR of the MACEs at 1 year was 0.61 (95% CI 0.36-1.05; P = .08, I ² = 0%). The OR of the MACEs at 5 years was 0.69 (95% CI 0.51-0.92; P = .01, I ² = 0%). Compared with the complex strategy, the simple strategy was associated with a lower incidence of MACEs at 5 years.

Conclusion

Compared to the complex stenting strategy, the simple stenting strategy can better reduce the occurrence of long-term MACEs for coronary bifurcation lesions.

The importance of side branch preservation in the treatment of chronic total occlusions with bifurcation lesions

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify the predictive factors for suboptimal result in side branch (SB) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) bifurcation lesions and clinical outcomes of patients with suboptimal result in SB.

Background

There is little evidence on the optimal strategy for bifurcation lesions in CTO.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 314 consecutive bifurcation lesions in CTO with SB ≥ 2.5 mm in 3 hospitals from March 2010 to June 2018. Patients were divided into the two groups based on the suboptimal SB treatment (SST) and optimal SB treatment (OST) groups. The baseline characteristics, procedural and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. This study also evaluated the predictors of suboptimal result in SB.

Results

Suboptimal result in SB occurred in 47 cases. Presence of stenosis in SB, bifurcations located within the occluded segment and sub-intimal tracking at SB ostium was an independent predictor of suboptimal result in SB. The cumulative incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR) in all lesions was not significantly different between the two groups, however, TLR in right coronary artery (RCA) was significantly higher in the SST group. In the Cox regression analysis, suboptimal result in SB in RCA and sub-intimal tracking were independent predictors of TLR for MB. In patients with bifurcations located within the occluded segment, usage of two-stent technique was significantly lower in the SST group.

Conclusions

Meticulous procedures are required for SB preservation to improve not only SB prognosis but also MB, especially in RCA.

A drug-eluting Balloon for the trEatment of coronarY bifurcatiON lesions in the side branch: a prospective multicenter ranDomized (BEYOND) clinical trial in China

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text

Background

Treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions remains challenging; a simple strategy has been preferred as of late, but the disadvantage is ostium stenosis or even occlusion of the side branch (SB). Only a few single-center studies investigating the combination of a drug-eluting stent in the main branch followed by a drug-eluting balloon in the SB have been reported. This prospective, multicenter, randomized study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of a paclitaxel-eluting balloon (PEB) compared with regular balloon angioplasty (BA) in the treatment of non-left main coronary artery bifurcation lesions.

Methods

Between December 2014 and November 2015, a total of 222 consecutive patients with bifurcation lesions were enrolled in this study at ten Chinese centers. Patients were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio to a PEB group (n = 113) and a BA group (n = 109). The primary efficacy endpoint was angiographic target lesion stenosis at 9 months. Secondary efficacy and safety endpoints included target lesion revascularization, target vessel revascularization, target lesion failure, major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCEs), all-cause death, cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and thrombosis in target lesions. The main analyses performed in this clinical trial included case shedding analysis, base-value equilibrium analysis, effectiveness analysis, and safety analysis. SAS version 9.4 was used for the statistical analyses.

Results

At the 9-month angiographic follow-up, the difference in the primary efficacy endpoint of target lesion stenosis between the PEB (28.7% ± 18.7%) and BA groups (40.0% ± 19.0%) was –11.3% (95% confidence interval: –16.3% to –6.3%, P_superiority <0.0001) in the intention-to-treat analysis, and similar results were recorded in the per-protocol analysis, demonstrating the superiority of PEB to BA. Late lumen loss was significantly lower in the PEB group than in the BA group (–0.06 ± 0.32 vs. 0.18 ± 0.34 mm, P < 0.0001). For intention-to-treat, there were no significant differences between PEB and BA in the 9-month percentages of MACCEs (0.9% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.16) or non-fatal myocardial infarctions (0 vs. 0.9%, P = 0.49). There were no clinical events of target lesion revascularization, target vessel revascularization, target lesion failure, all-cause death, cardiac death or target lesion thrombosis in either group.

Conclusions

In de novo non-left main coronary artery bifurcations treated with provisional T stenting, SB dilation with the PEB group demonstrated better angiographic results than treatment with regular BA at the 9-month follow-up in terms of reduced target lesion stenosis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02325817; https://clinicaltrials.gov

Asia Pacific consensus document on coronary bifurcation interventions

Coronary bifurcation intervention is common but complex. Progress in this field has been made in recent years with considerable contribution from the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. However, the standard of practice varies across the APAC region due to differences in culture, socioeconomic state and healthcare set-up. Practice may also differ from the rest of the world. Hence, a panel of experts was invited to discuss topics relevant to bifurcation intervention in order to make a concerted effort to achieve consensus that is applicable within the region and in line with available evidence.

Efficacy of drug-coated balloon angioplasty after directional coronary atherectomy for coronary bifurcation lesions (DCA/DCB registry)

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of additional drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty after directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) for coronary bifurcation lesions.

BACKGROUND

The optimal therapy for bifurcation lesions has not been established, even in the drug-eluting stent era. DCA possibly prevents plaque and carina shift in bifurcation lesions by plaque debulking; however, the efficacy of combined DCA and DCB (DCA/DCB) for bifurcation lesions remains unclear.

METHODS

This multicenter registry retrospectively recruited patients with bifurcation lesions who underwent DCA/DCB and follow-up angiogram at 6-15 months. The primary endpoint was the 12-month target vessel failure (TVF) rate. The secondary endpoints were procedure-related major complications, major cardiovascular events at 12 months, restenosis at 12 months, target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 12 months.

RESULTS

We enrolled 129 patients from 16 Japanese centers. One hundred and four lesions (80.6%) were located around the left main trunk bifurcations. No side branch compromise was found intraoperatively. Restenosis was observed in three patients (2.3%) at 12 months. TLR occurred in four patients (3.1%): 3 (2.3%) in the main vessel and 1 (0.8%) in the ostium of the side branch at 12 months. TVF incidence at 12 months was slightly higher in 14 patients (10.9%), and only two patients (1.6%) had symptomatic TVR. One patient (0.8%) had non-target vessel-related myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that DCA/DCB provided good clinical outcomes and minimal side branch damage and could be an optimal non-stent percutaneous coronary intervention strategy for bifurcation lesions.

Outcomes of Patients With Coronary Arterial Bifurcation Narrowings Undergoing Provisional 1-Stent Treatment (from the BIONICS Trial)

Treatment of bifurcation lesions is technically challenging and has been associated with an increased risk of adverse events. We sought to evaluate the clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients who underwent bifurcation lesion provisional treatment in the BioNIR Ridaforolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System in Coronary Stenosis trial. A prospective, multicenter, 1:1 randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ridaforolimus-eluting stents (RES) versus zotarolimus-eluting stents (ZES). Enrollment of bifurcation lesions treated with a provisional 1-stent technique was allowed. Bifurcation lesions were analyzed by an angiographic core laboratory. Outcomes were analyzed according to the presence of a bifurcation lesion treatment. Study population included 686 (35.8%) patients with and 1,228 (64.2%) patients without bifurcation lesion treatment. Procedural success was high and similar between groups. In 2 years, there was no difference in the rate of target lesion failure between the bifurcation and nonbifurcation groups (7.6% vs 7.3%, respectively, p = 0.81) regardless of the presence of side branch stenosis ≥50%. In 159 patients with angiographic follow-up, there was no difference in the rate of binary restenosis between groups (9.0% vs 9.2%, p = 0.96). Rates of target lesion failure at 1-year were similar with ZES and RES, and consistent in patients with and without bifurcation lesions (p_interaction = 0.61). In conclusion, patients with bifurcation lesions treated and a provisional strategy experienced similar outcomes as those with nonbifurcation lesions. RES performed as well as ZES in bifurcation and nonbifurcation lesions.

Outcomes of the Tryton-dedicated bifurcation stent for the treatment of true coronary bifurcations: Individual-patient-data pooled analysis

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the dedicated Tryton side branch (SB) stent for the treatment of true bifurcations involving large SBs.

BACKGROUND

Bifurcation lesions are associated with lower procedural success and a higher risk of adverse cardiac events. Provisional stenting (PS) is currently the default approach for the treatment of bifurcation lesions. The Tryton stent is a dedicated bifurcation stent system for the treatment of true bifurcation lesions.

METHODS

We performed an individual-patient-data pooled post-hoc analysis of the Tryton Pivotal randomized controlled trial and post-approval Confirmatory Study. Only patients with true bifurcations involving a SB ≥ 2.25 mm in diameter were included. The primary endpoint was non-inferiority of Tryton compared with PS for target vessel failure (TVF) at 1 year.

RESULTS

Of the 411 patients meeting the criteria for enrolment, 287 patients were treated with the Tryton stent and 124 with PS. Procedural success was higher in the Tryton group (95.4 versus 82.3%, P < 0.0001). TVF at 1 year was 8.1% in the Tryton group and 9.7% in the PS group, meeting the pre-specified criteria for non-inferiority established for the randomized controlled trail (p_{non-inferiority} = 0.02). At 9-month angiographic follow-up, SB diameter stenosis was significantly lower in the Tryton group (29.3 ± 21.9 versus 41.1 ± 17.5, P = 0.0008) and in-segment binary restenosis (diameter stenosis ≥ 50%) was higher in the PS group (19.0 versus 34.2%, respectively, P = 0.052).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with true bifurcations involving a large SB, treatment with the Tryton SD Stent was clinically non-inferior to PS and showed favorable angiographic outcomes.

Impact of Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization of Severe Coronary Lesions on Secondary Branches

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To analyze the percutaneous revascularization strategy for severe lesions in the secondary branches (SB) (diameter ≥ 2mm) of major epicardial arteries compared with conservative treatment.

METHODS

This study analyzed patients with severe SB lesions who underwent percutaneous revascularization treatment compared with patients who received pharmacological treatment. The study examined the percentage of branch-related events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction attributable to SB, or the need for revascularization of the SB).

RESULTS

We analyzed 679 SB lesions (662 patients). After a mean follow-up of 22.2±10.5 months, there were no significant differences between the 2 treatment groups regarding the percentage of death from cardiovascular causes (1.7% vs 0.4%; P=.14), nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (1.7% vs 1.7%; P=.96), the need for SB revascularization (4.1% vs 5.4%; P=.45) or in the total percentage of events (5.1% vs 6.3%; P=.54). The variables showing an association with event occurrence on multivariate analysis were diabetes (SHR, 2.87; 95%CI, 1.37-5.47; P=.004), prior AMI (SHR, 3.54; 95%CI, 1.77-7.30; P<.0001), SB reference diameter (SHR, 0.16; 95%CI, 0.03-0.97; P=.047), and lesion length (SHR, 3.77; 95%CI, 1.03-1.13; P<.0001). These results remained the same after the propensity score analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentage of SB-related events during follow-up is low, with no significant differences between the 2 treatment strategies. The variables associated with event occurrence in the multivariate analysis were the presence of diabetes mellitus, prior AMI, and greater lesion length.

One Versus 2-stent Strategy for the Treatment of Bifurcation Lesions in the Context of a Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion. A Multicenter Registry

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

There is little evidence on the optimal strategy for bifurcation lesions in the context of a coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO). This study compared the procedural and mid-term outcomes of patients with bifurcation lesions in CTO treated with provisional stenting vs 2-stent techniques in a multicenter registry.

METHODS

Between January 2012 and June 2016, 922 CTO were recanalized at the 4 participating centers. Of these, 238 (25.8%) with a bifurcation lesion (side branch ≥ 2mm located proximally, distally, or within the occluded segment) were treated by a simple approach (n=201) or complex strategy (n=37). Propensity score matching was performed to account for selection bias between the 2 groups. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) consisted of a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and clinically-driven target lesion revascularization.

RESULTS

Angiographic and procedural success were similar in the simple and complex groups (94.5% vs 97.3%; P=.48 and 85.6% vs 81.1%; P=.49). However, contrast volume, radiation dose, and fluoroscopy time were lower with the simple approach. At follow-up (25 months), the MACE rate was 8% in the simple and 10.8% in the complex group (P=.58). There was a trend toward a lower MACE-free survival in the complex group (80.1% vs 69.8%; P=.08). After propensity analysis, there were no differences between the groups regarding immediate and follow-up results.

CONCLUSIONS

Bifurcation lesions in CTO can be approached similarly to regular bifurcation lesions, for which provisional stenting is considered the technique of choice. After propensity score matching, there were no differences in procedural or mid-term clinical outcomes between the simple and complex strategies.

Is Common Femoral Artery Stenosis Still a Surgical Disease?

Surgical endarterectomy has long been the standard approach for treating atherosclerotic stenosis in the common femoral artery. Its major advantage is the associated long-term patency, which approaches 95% at 5 years. Nevertheless, recent studies have suggested that percutaneous treatment may be a valid alternative to surgery.

Bifurcation lesions involved in the recanalization process of coronary chronic total occlusions: Incidence, treatment and clinical implications

BACKGROUND

The presence of a bifurcation (BL) in the context of a coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) represents an additional difficulty. This study analyzes the incidence of BLs in CTO recanalization, the treatment, predictors of bifurcation technical success and their clinical impact.

METHODS AND RESULTS

BLs with a side branch (SB) ≥2.0mm located proximally, distally or within the occluded segment were observed in 130 (33%) of 391 CTO. Provisional stenting was the strategy more frequently used (94%). Bifurcation success (stenosis <30% in main vessel and TIMI flow III in both branches) was achieved in 105 patients (81%). In the remaining 25 (19%), the TIMI flow at the SB was <III. Predictors of bifurcation success were baseline SB wiring (OR 0.01, 95% CI: 0.001-0.09; p<0.01), the absence of dissection across the bifurcation (OR 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.49; p<0.01) and non-true BLs (OR 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04-0.68; p<0.05). Regarding in-hospital results, patients with final TIMI flow <III at the SB had a higher incidence of periprocedural MI (32% vs 4.8%; p<0.01). Subsequently, the rate of MI was higher in patients with CTO-BLs than in those without BLs. At follow-up, there were no differences in the event rate between CTO-BLs and non CTO-BLs (7.7% vs 9.5%, p=ns) CONCLUSIONS: BLs in CTO is a frequent finding and could be approached as regular bifurcations. The primary success was low and this was associated with a higher incidence of periprocedural MI. Baseline SB wiring was a powerful predictor of technical success.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Bifurcation Lesions

This article summarizes treatment alternatives for coronary bifurcation lesions. It also reviews current definitions and classifications pertaining to bifurcation lesions and provides an overview of the impact of bifurcation lesions on clinical outcomes.

A Novel Tram Stent Method in the Treatment of Coronary Bifurcation Lesions - Finite Element Study

A novel stent was designed for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesion, and it was investigated for its performance by finite element analysis. This study was performed in search of a novel method of treatment of bifurcation lesion with provisional stenting. A bifurcation model was created with the proximal vessel of 3.2 mm diameter, and the distal vessel after the side branch (2.3 mm) was 2.7 mm. A novel stent was designed with connection links that had a profile of a tram. Laser cutting and shape setting of the stent was performed, and thereafter it was crimped and deployed over a balloon. The contact pressure, stresses on the arterial wall, stresses on the stent, the maximal principal log strain of the main artery and the side-branch were studied. The study was performed in Abaqus, Simulia. The stresses on the main branch and the distal branch were minimally increased after deployment of this novel stent. The side branch was preserved, and the stresses on the side branch were lesser; and at the confluence of bifurcation on either side of the side branch origin the von-Mises stress was marginally increased. The stresses and strain at the bifurcation were significantly lesser than the stresses and strain of the currently existing techniques used in the treatment of bifurcation lesions though the study was primarily focused only on the utility of the new technology. There is a potential for a novel Tram-stent method in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions.

Stenting of coronary bifurcation lesions: a literature and technical review

Newer generation drug-eluting stents have improved outcomes in various subsets of coronary lesions including bifurcation lesions. This article reviews the current literature on various issues in bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Generally, the provisional approach of placing one stent in the main vessel is the preferred first-line treatment for most bifurcation lesions. However, some lesions require 2-stenting. It is unknown whether 2nd-generation DES have improved outcomes with 2-stenting. The use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) for the assessment of functional significance of the jailed side branch can help avoid unnecessary stenting in complex lesions. Skilled techniques in every step of the 2-stenting process and meticulous use of imaging techniques including IVUS or OCT are warranted to obtain optimal angiographic and clinical results. Dedicated bifurcation stents are feasible treatment options and may change future concepts in bifurcation PCI, although larger trials with control groups are required in order to widely apply these techniques into daily routine practice.

Long-term outcomes of rotational atherectomy in coronary bifurcation lesions

The aim of the present study was to determine the long-term outcomes of bifurcation lesions following a rotational atherectomy (ROTA). In this retrospective study, patients that had undergone a ROTA of the bifurcation coronary lesions in Juntendo University Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) were enrolled between January 2007 and December 2009, and received follow-up for a median duration of 48 months (range, 12-84 months). A total of 337 patients were enrolled. Each patient was treated with an average of 1.2±0.4 ROTA burrs (mean size, 2.9±0.3 mm). Baseline lesion length, reference diameter, minimal lumen diameter (MLD) and percentage of diameter stenosis (%DS) prior to the procedure were comparable between the DM and non-DM patients. Furthermore, MLD, %DS and acute gain following the procedure were similar between the two groups. At follow-up, DM patients exhibited a significantly decreased MLD (1.97±0.92 vs. 2.26±0.73 mm; P=0.0038), increased %DS (27.9±21.3 vs. 20.2±13.3%; P=0.022) and late loss (0.70±0.45 vs. 0.42±0.36 mm; P=0.0047) compared with the non-DM patients. Follow-up examinations (mean duration, 52.2±19.4 months) revealed that the DM patients experienced significantly higher rates of target lesion revascularization (TLR) [28 (15.7%) vs. 8 (5.0%); P=0.0011], target lesion (TL) restenosis [46 (25.8%) vs. 20 (12.6%); P=0.0019] and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) [36 (20.2%) vs. 19 (12.0%), P=0.039] compared with the non-DM patients. Although the usage of ROTA and drug-eluting stent evidently improved long-term outcomes in patients with bifurcation lesions, DM remained an independent risk factor for TLR, TL restenosis and MACE. Therefore, the management of DM in bifurcation lesions treated with ROTA requires increased investigation in future clinical practice.

Early definite stent thrombosis with everolimus‐eluting stents

Stent thrombosis (ST) is a serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. Several factors are associated with ST, and combination of these factors increase the risk, even in everolimus-eluting stents, which have low risk of ST. We experienced a case of ST caused by limited coronary flow and resistance to antiplatelet agent.

A Y-shaped bifurcation-dedicated stent for the treatment of de novo coronary bifurcation lesions: an IVUS analysis from the BRANCH trial

AIMS

The aim of this IVUS substudy was to assess the efficacy of the Y-shaped Medtronic bifurcation-dedicated stent (BDS) for the treatment of de novo coronary bifurcated lesions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the BRANCH trial, post-procedure IVUS was performed in 45 patients. IVUS was available in both branches in 19 lesions and only the main branch (MB) in 26 lesions. IVUS analysis included four distinct locations: proximal MB, bifurcation site, distal MB, and side branch (SB). Lumen symmetry was calculated as minimum/maximum lumen diameters. The quantity of isolated stent struts across the SB ostium was used to assess inadequate strut apposition to the carina resulting in partial jailing of the SB orifice. A minimum stent area (MSA) <4 mm2 was found in 0% of proximal and distal MB, and in 15.4% of SB. In SB, MSA was located mainly at mid or distal segments (84.6%), rather than at the SB ostium. Eccentric stent expansion and edge dissection were seen primarily at proximal MB. Isolated struts were seen in only 20.9% of SB ostia with a minimum length of 0.7±0.4 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Implantation of BDS resulted in adequate stent dimensions and strut apposition at the carina and SB ostium. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00607321.

Assessment of side branch predilation before a provisional T-stent strategy for bifurcation lesions. A randomized trial

BACKGROUND

A simple approach is the predominant strategy for the percutaneous coronary intervention of bifurcation lesions. Performing side branch (SB) predilation in this context is currently a matter of controversy. In this study, we assess the efficacy of SB predilatation before a provisional T-stent strategy for bifurcation lesions.

METHODS

Between February 2009 and November 2012, 372 patients with true bifurcation lesions were randomized to either predilation of the SB (n = 187) or no predilatation (n = 185) before main branch (MB) stent implantation and a subsequent SB provisional stent strategy.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the patient groups regarding the baseline characteristics. After MB stent implantation, the TIMI flow of the SB was higher in the patients with SB predilation: TIMI flow 0 to 1; 2 (1%) versus 18 (10%), P < .001; and TIMI flow III; 179 (96%) versus 152 (82%), P < .001. Side branch stenting rates were 4% versus 3%, P = not significant. In addition, 60 patients (32%) from the SB predilation group presented SB residual stenosis by visual inspection <50%, and TIMI flow ≥III did not require any additional treatment. The failure rate of SB rewiring, the time of rewiring, the number of wires used, and the incidence of major events were similar in both groups of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Predilation of the SB resulted in improved TIMI flow after MB stenting and less indication to subsequently treat the SB. If rewiring of the SB is required, predilation did not hinder this maneuver.

Stenting strategy for coronary artery bifurcation with drug-eluting stents: a meta-analysis of nine randomised trials and systematic review

AIMS

The present study sought to compare angiographic and clinical outcomes of a simple strategy versus a complex strategy in patients with coronary bifurcation lesions undergoing drug-eluting stent implantation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Medline, the Cochrane Library, and other internet sources were searched for randomised trials comparing simple strategy versus complex strategy for treating patients with bifurcation lesions. Nine eligible randomised trials including 2,569 patients were identified. The meta-analysis showed that cardiac death (odds ratio [OR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40- 2.41, p=0.98) and stent thrombosis (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.31-1.34, p=0.24) were similar in the simple and the complex strategy. Compared with the complex strategy, the simple strategy was associated with a reduced risk of either early or follow-up myocardial infarction (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36-0.79, p=0.002; OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.86, p=0.01, respectively). The overall risks of side branch restenosis (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.73-2.87, p=0.30), target lesion (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 0.95-3.12, p=0.07) and target vessel revascularisation (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 0.94-2.69, p=0.09) were comparable between the two groups. In the true bifurcation, with large side branches, and DK-crush subgroups, there were higher rates of reintervention seen in the simple strategy than in the complex strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

A complex strategy remains an optional treatment for patients with coronary bifurcation lesions without severe safety concerns. A complex strategy may be an optimal treatment for true bifurcation lesions with large side branches.

Overview of Technical and Cost Considerations in Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), encompassing an ever-expanding range of challenging lesion sets and patient populations, accounts for a significant proportion of PCI procedures being performed currently. Specific lesion types associated with lower rates of procedural success and higher rates of recurrence or major adverse cardiac events (MACE) include multivessel disease, unprotected left main coronary artery disease, fibrocalcific or undilatable lesions, chronic total occlusions, degenerated saphenous vein graft lesions, thrombotic lesions, and bifurcation disease. Validated tools and technical strategies currently exist to address most procedural scenarios encountered and should be familiar to the complex PCI operator. Anticipated clinical outcomes, projected resource utilization, and cost considerations should all factor into the decisions of when, how, and in whom to intervene.

Coronary computed tomography angiography in planning of percutaneous coronary interventions in bifurcation lesions - study design and rationale

Percutaneous treatment of coronary bifurcations is a complex issue due to numerous possible techniques and high risk of complications. Because of increasing interest in non-invasive imaging in interventional cardiology and growing quality of obtained images, we designed a prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial to evaluate the role of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in the planning of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) of bifurcation lesions. Eighty eligible patients scheduled for PCI of bifurcations in stable coronary artery disease will undergo additional CCTA examination and will be randomized 1: 1 to either planning of PCI using angiography and CCTA or to PCI planning with use of angiography alone. Primary endpoints will include PCI strategy (one or two stents), technique, size of implanted stents and direct angiographic effect of the procedure. Immediate PCI effect measured with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and the effect on fractional flow reserve (FFR) in the side branch (in a subgroup of patients), as well as plaque morphology assessed in CCTA, patient radiation exposure and amount of contrast will be compared in secondary analysis. The study is intended to clarify the influence of CCTA analysis on the technique and direct effect of PCI of bifurcations and to provide evidence on the relevance of performing a CCTA scan prior to PCI of bifurcation lesions.

Randomized study comparing everolimus- and sirolimus-eluting stents in patients with bifurcation lesions treated by provisional side-branch stenting

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of sirolimus- and everolimus-eluting stents in patients with bifurcation lesions treated with provisional side-branch stenting.

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of everolimus-eluting stents in bifurcation lesions has been poorly tested.

METHODS

Patients with all types of Medina bifurcation lesions were randomly assigned to treatment with either a sirolimus- (n = 145) or everolimus-eluting stent (n = 148). We included patients with main vessel diameter over 2.5 mm and side branches over 2.25 mm. Patients with diffuse side-branch stenosis were excluded.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between patients from the sirolimus and everolimus groups in terms of age, risk factors, clinical status, location of the bifurcation lesions or angiographic variables. Immediate results and in-hospital outcome were also similar in both groups of patients. In-hospital death occurred in two patients, one from each group. Target lesion revascularization was required in nine patients: four patients (2.7%) from the sirolimus group and five patients (3.4%) from the everolimus group. Late cardiac mortality occurred in two patients from the sirolimus group and in one patient from the everolimus group. Major cardiac event rates at 1 year were similar in both groups: nine patients (6.2%) in the sirolimus group and nine patients (6.1%) from the everolimus group (p: ns).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with bifurcation lesions, no significant differences in clinical outcome at 1-year follow-up were observed between sirolimus- and everolimus-eluting stent groups.

How to solve difficult side branch access?

Safe guidewire placement in the main vessel (MV) and in the side branch (SB) does represent the key point for successful percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in bifurcated lesions. During bifurcation PCI, SB wiring is systematically performed as a first step and is often repeated ("rewiring") during the procedure in order to treat the SB after MV stenting. Wiring and rewiring are crucial phases of bifurcation PCI which require, in the most complex cases, specific operator experience. In the present paper, the classic SB wiring techniques necessary for routine bifurcation interventions (antegrade and pullback wiring technique) as well as "advanced" wiring techniques ("reverse wire" technique, Venture-facilitate wiring, MV balloon predilation or debulking) are described. Moreover, the rewiring technique is discussed in detail, with particular attention on the tips and tricks which may facilitate the achievement of optimal result with provisional stenting (pullback rewiring) and help manage bail out situations like acute SB flow impairment after MV stenting.