Effect of proximal optimization technique on coronary bifurcation stent failure: Insights from the multicenter randomized PROPOT trial.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of proximal optimization technique (POT) on coronary bifurcation stent failure (BSF) in cross-over stenting by comparing with the kissing balloon technique (KBT) in a multicenter randomized PROPOT trial. BACKGROUND: POT is recommended due to increased certainty for optimal stent expansion and side branch (SB) wiring. METHODS: We randomized 120 patients treated with crossover stenting into the POT group, which was followed by SB dilation (SBD), and the KBT group. Finally, 52 and 57 patients were analyzed by optical coherence tomography before SBD and at the final procedure, respectively. Composite BSF was defined as a maximal malapposition distance of >400 µm, or malapposed and SB-jailed strut rates of >5.95% and >21.4%, respectively. RESULTS: Composite BSF before SBD in the POT and KBT groups was observed in 29% and 26% of patients, respectively. In the POT group, differences in stent volumetric index between the proximal and distal bifurcation (odds ratio [OR] 60.35, 95% confidential interval [CI] 0.13-0.93, p = 0.036) and between the proximal bifurcation and bifurcation core (OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.01-13.40, p = 0.048) were identified as independent risk factors. Composite BSF at final in 27% and 32%, and unplanned additional procedures in 38% and 25% were observed, respectively. Composite BSF before SBD was a risk factor for the former (OR: 6.33, 95% CI: 1.10-36.50, p = 0.039) and the latter (OR: 6.43, 95% CI: 1.25-33.10, p = 0.026) in the POT group. CONCLUSION: POT did not result in a favorable trend in BSF. Insufficient expansion of the bifurcation core after POT was associated with BSF.

The Effect of Aggressive Wire Recanalization in Calcified Atheroma and Dilatation (ARCADIA) Technique in Eccentric Calcified Lesion of No-stenting Zone.

PURPOSE: The endovascular approach for eccentric calcified lesions of the no-stenting zone is challenging. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a novel technique for these lesions. METHODS: We performed EVT for severe and eccentric calcified lesions using the technique, which is presented previously and named aggressive wire recanalization in calcified atheroma and dilatation (ARCADIA). In brief, a guidewire is passed to the residual lumen firstly. Next, another guidewire is advanced into and cross through the calcified plaque and returned to the distal original lumen with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided. The calcified plaque is dilated by using a scoring-balloon or non-compliant balloon. RESULTS: Consecutive 14 peripheral artery disease patients with isolated and eccentric calcification in a no-stenting zone were treated using ARCADIA technique between January 2018 and March 2020. In IVUS data, lumen cross-section area was significantly increased from 5.2 ± 2.0 mm2 to 18.1 ± 6.9 mm2 (p < 0.01), lumen area was expanded roundly evaluating as symmetry index from 0.45 ± 0.09 to 0.81 ± 0.12 (p < 0.01). There were no distal embolization and perforation after ARCADIA technique. One-year target lesion revascularization occurred in only 2 cases. The primary patency of 1 year was 85.7%. CONCLUSION: ARCADIA technique is safe and appropriate, and can be 1 option to treat for eccentric calcified lesions of the no-stenting zone as an optimal wire crossing method.

Efficacy of plaque debulking for bifurcated or ostial lesions by directional coronary atherectomy prior to second-generation drug eluting stenting.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the efficacy of plaque debulking by directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) prior to second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for bifurcated coronary lesions. BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bifurcated lesions still remains complex and challenging in terms of restenosis or stent thrombosis regardless of whether simple or complex stenting is used. METHODS: Patients with bifurcated lesions were enrolled in this prospective multicenter registry. Pre-second-generation DES plaque debulking with a novel DCA catheter (ATHEROCUT®, Nipro Co., Osaka, Japan) was conducted. All patients were scheduled to perform a follow up angiography (9-12 month coronary angiography or coronary computed tomography). The primary end point was target vessel failure (TVF) at follow up. Secondary end points were procedure-related events and major adverse cardiac events at 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients with bifurcated lesions were enrolled. PCI with DCA was performed successfully in all cases without any major procedure-related event and only one case required complex stenting. The TVF rate at 9-12 month follow up was 3.9% (3 of 77) and those were all associated with revascularization of the target vessel. Restenosis was only observed at the ostium of the main-branch in three cases. No death, coronary artery bypass grafting, or myocardial infarction were reported for any patients within the first year. CONCLUSION: DCA before second-generation DES implantation can possibly avoid complex stenting and provide a good mid-term outcome in patients with bifurcated lesions.

1-Year Safety of 3-Month Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Followed by Aspirin or P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitor Monotherapy Using a Bioabsorbable Polymer Sirolimus-Eluting Stent.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the safety of 3-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after implantation of a bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BP-SES) and compared P2Y12inhibitor with aspirin monotherapy 3 months after DAPT.Methods and Results:Patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention using BP-SES were enrolled and followed for 1 year. Patients with a history of stent thrombosis were excluded. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic), definite or probable stent thrombosis, and severe bleeding at 12 months. The BP-SES arm of the CENTURY II trial was used as a conventional DAPT group for comparison. After DAPT, patients were maintained on either aspirin (n=846) or a P2Y12inhibitor (n=674 patients).In all, 1,695 patients were enrolled in the study across 65 centers. The primary endpoint occurred in 4.3% of patients at 1 year. After propensity score adjustment, the incidence of the primary endpoint was not inferior in those receiving DAPT for 3 months compared with conventional DAPT (5.5%; Pnon-inferiority<0.0001). The incidence of the primary endpoint and severe bleeding did not differ between the aspirin and P2Y12inhibitor monotherapy groups. CONCLUSIONS: After adjustment, 3-month DAPT was not inferior to longer DAPT after BP-SES implantation in terms of net adverse clinical events. There was no difference in bleeding and thrombotic events between P2Y12inhibitor and aspirin monotherapy after 3 months DAPT.

Editor's Choice - Endovascular Repair Versus Surgical Repair for Japanese Patients With Ruptured Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Nationwide Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair (ER) and open surgical repair (OR) of ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (rDTAA) and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) through a nationwide analysis performed in Japan. METHODS: This was a national registry based retrospective comparative study using data from the Japanese Registry of all Cardiac and Vascular Diseases Diagnostic Procedure Combination (JROAD-DPC) database, a nationwide claim based database from more than 600 hospitals. Patients admitted to certificated teaching hospitals with rDTAA and rAAA and treated by either ER or OR between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2015 were identified. A propensity score matched analysis was performed to compare ER and OR. RESULTS: About 40% of the total cohort (n = 8,302) were managed conservatively for various reasons, including limited options in primary care facilities in certain areas. In total, 983 patients had rDTAA (OR = 511; ER = 472) and 2,320 (OR = 1,754; ER = 566) had rAAA. Altogether, 604 and 1,080 patients were matched with rDTAA and rAAA, respectively. Compared with OR, ER was associated with significantly better in hospital mortality in patients with rDTAA (ER = 22.5%; OR = 29.8% [p < .001]) and similar mortality for those with rAAA (ER = 25.7%; OR = 24.3% [p = .57]). ER involved significantly shorter hospital stays for rDTAA (ER = 25.5; OR = 32 days [p < .001]) and rAAA (ER = 16; OR = 21 days [p < .001]). The median Barthel Index at discharge was ≥75/100 for all groups, and there were no differences between ER and OR. Total medical costs were significantly lower for ER for rDTAA (ER = ¥6.47 million, OR = ¥7.28 million [p < .001]) but were higher for rAAA (ER = ¥4.65 million; OR = ¥3.43 million [p < .001]). CONCLUSION: A Japanese nationwide observational study showed that in hospital outcomes for ER vs. OR were more favourable for rDTAA and comparable for rAAA. ER resulted in an equivalently favourable functional status at discharge and significantly shorter hospital stays.

Randomized comparison between 2-link cell design biolimus A9-eluting stent and 3-link cell design everolimus-eluting stent in patients with de novo true coronary bifurcation lesions: the BEGIN trial.

The appropriate stent platform for treating coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs) remains controversial. Previous bench tests have demonstrated the superiority of a 2-link cell design to 3-link cell design for creating inter-strut dilation at the side branch ostium. This randomized multicenter prospective BEGIN trial compared the biodegradable polymer-based biolimus A9-eluting stent (2-link BES) with the durable polymer-based cobalt chromium everolimus-eluting stent (3-link EES) in 226 patients with de novo CBLs. Patients with true bifurcations, defined as > 50% stenosis in the main vessel and side branch (SB) and an SB diameter > 2.25 mm, were enrolled. Guide wire re-crossing to the distal cell (near the carina) in the jailed SB and final kissing inflation were recommended. The SB angiographic endpoint was < 50% stenosis diameter. Left-main CBLs (13.5% vs. 13.0%) and 2-stent technique (30.6% vs. 22.6%) rates were similar. The primary endpoints (minimum lumen diameter at the SB ostium measured at an independent core laboratory at the 8-month follow-up) were comparable (1.64 ± 0.50 mm vs. 1.63 ± 0.51 mm, p = 0.976). There was no significant difference in composite outcomes of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target vascular revascularization at 12 months (7.4% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.894). Two-link BES and 3-link EES showed similar 8-month angiographic and 1-year clinical outcomes for true CBLs.

The first clinical experience with a novel directional coronary atherectomy catheter: Preliminary Japanese multicenter experience.

AIMS: Despite development of drug eluting stents (DES), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bifurcation lesions using DES alone remains challenging. The aim of this study was to report on the initial clinical experience with a novel directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) catheter. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with de novo bifurcation lesions were entered into a prospective registry and a novel DCA catheter was used. Device, procedural success and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated. A total of 14 patients with bifurcation lesions were enrolled. DCA was performed successfully in all cases without any major procedure-related events (device success rate: 100%, procedural success rate: 100%). Four patients (29%) were treated without stent implantation and simple stenting was achieved in the other 10 patients. No in-hospital major adverse cardiac event was observed. CONCLUSIONS: PCI with a novel DCA catheter for bifurcation lesions may be safe and effective. The clinical significance of these findings needs to be determined in future studies. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel directional coronary atherectomy catheter for bifurcation lesions. Both the device and procedural success rates were 100%. Complex stenting could be avoided in all cases. No inhospital major adverse cardiac event was observed. The novel directional coronary atherectomy catheter may be safe and effective for bifurcation lesions, even in this drug eluting stent era. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Safety and utility of total percutaneous endovascular aortic repair with a single Perclose ProGlide closure device.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of total percutaneous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (PEVAR) with a single Perclose ProGlide device (Abbot Vascular, Santa Clara, Calif) compared with endovascular aortic repair with surgical cutdown (SEVAR). METHODS: The study included 50 abdominal aortic aneurysm patients who were treated with PEVAR with a single Perclose ProGlide device and 96 patients treated with SEVAR. Technical success was defined as successful arterial closure of the common femoral artery without the need for adjunctive surgical or endovascular procedures. The rates of complications, including bleeding requiring transfusion, infection, pseudoaneurysm, paresthesia, and lymphocele, as well as the operating room time and hospital duration were compared between the PEVAR and SEVAR groups. RESULTS: Technical success was obtained in all patients in the PEVAR group. One patient in the SEVAR group needed surgical repair due to access site bleeding. Complication rates were similar between the groups (4% in the PEVAR vs 8% in the SEVAR; P = .495). The PEVAR group had significantly shorter operating room times (153 ± 47 minutes vs 211 ± 88 minutes, P < .001) and hospital lengths of stay (6.7 ± 6.8 days vs 9.3 ± 4.5 days, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SEVAR, PEVAR with a single ProGlide device is a safe procedure with a shorter operating room time and hospital stay, without increasing access site complications.

Mechanism of Residual Lumen Stenosis at the Side Branch Ostium After Final Kissing Balloon Inflation: A Volumetric Intracoronary Ultrasound Study of Coronary Bifurcation Lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanisms of residual stenosis (RS) at side branch ostium (SBO) after final kissing balloon inflation (FKI) and clarify the impact of carina- and plaque-shifts on RS. BACKGROUND: Carina- and plaque-shift induce SBO compromise. FKI is an effective technique to treat this complication; however, RS often persist, and are associated with restenosis at SBO. METHODS: We performed serial volumetric analysis of 91 bifurcations in which crossover-stenting with FKI and pre-/post-intravascular ultrasounds (IVUS) were completed in both branches. The plaque- and carina-shifts were defined as an increase in the plaque-volume and a decrease in the vessel-volume at the SBO, respectively. RS at the SBO, defined as area stenosis >50% on IVUS, was identified in 19 lesions. RESULTS: After FKI, the plaque volume- significantly increased at the SBO, with its reduction in the proximal main vessel (MV). However, at the SBO, the volumetric lumen change correlated with vessel change (ρ = 0.690, P < 0.001), but not plaque change (P = 0.390), suggesting that RS at SBO was more likely associated with inadequate vessel stretch, not plaque increase after FKI. Carina-shift was more frequently found in cases with RS, compared to those without RS (37% vs. 11%, P = 0.013). Pre-procedure IVUS findings to predict RS at SBO after FKI were negative-remodeling at distal MV, plaque -burden at distal MV, and plaque-burden at the SBO. CONCLUSIONS: Carina-shift has a greater contribution to the formation of RS at SBO after FKI. The pre-procedure IVUS provides helpful information for predicting the RS after FKI.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Provisional Stenting in Coronary Bifurcation Lesions J-REVERSE Sub-Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on provisional coronary bifurcation stenting under the complete guidance of intravascular-ultrasound (IVUS). BACKGROUND: The efficacy of such intervention has not yet been fully elucidated in the DM patients. METHODS: A total of 100 DM and 139 non-DM patients in a prospective multi-center registry of IVUS-guided bifurcation stenting were compared in angiographic results at 9 months. Vessel and luminal changes during the intervention were analyzed using the IVUS. Vascular healing at the follow-up was also investigated in 23 lesions in each group using optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: No difference was detected regarding baseline reference vessel diameter and minimum lumen diameter in proximal main vessel (MV), distal MV, and side branch (SB). The rate of everolimus-eluting stent use (78.4% vs. 78.3%), final kissing inflation (60.1% vs. 49.0%), and conversion to 2-stent strategy (2.9% vs. 2.8%) were also similar. In the DM group, late loss was greater in proximal MV (DM 0.23 ± 0.29 vs. non-DM 0.16 ± 0.24 mm, P < 0.05) and SB (0.04 ± 0.49 vs. -0.08 ± 0.35 mm, P < 0.05). Smaller vessel area restricted stent expansion in the proximal MV (6.18 ± 1.67 vs. 6.72 ± 2.07 mm2 , P < 0.05). More inhomogeneous neointimal coverage (unevenness score, 1.90 ± 0.33 vs. 1.72 ± 0.29, P < 0.05) and more frequent thrombus attachment (26% vs. 4%, P < 0.05) were documented in the proximal MV at 9-month follow-up OCT. CONCLUSIONS: Despite IVUS optimization for coronary bifurcation, DM is potentially associated with smaller luminal gain, higher late-loss, and inhomogeneous vascular healing with frequent thrombus attachment in the proximal MV.

Impact of lesion morphology on angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic total occlusion after recanalization with drug-eluting stents: a multislice computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the multislice computed tomography (MSCT) parameters associated with adverse outcomes after chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI) with drug-eluting stents. METHODS: A total of 285 patients who underwent MSCT before CTO-PCI were analyzed. Lesion morphology was assessed with MSCT. Angiographic restenosis, reocclusion, and MACE (a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularization) were analyzed. RESULTS: MACE was observed in 36 patients (13.6%). Occlusion length was greater (39.5 ± 19.9 mm vs. 22.3 ± 13.7 mm, p < 0.01), minimal vessel area smaller (11.2 ± 5.7 mm(2) vs. 14.5 ± 5.6 mm(2), p < 0.01), and severe calcification more common (36% vs. 12 %, p < 0.01) in the MACE group compared to the non-MACE group. We defined occluded length >25.4 mm, minimal vessel area <11.9 mm(2), which were identified by receiver operating characteristic analysis, and severe calcification as CT-derived risk factors. Angiographic restenosis (60% vs. 12% vs. 7%, p < 0.01), reocclusion (29% vs. 2% vs. 2%, p < 0.01), and MACE (43% vs. 6% vs. 3%, p < 0.01) were more common in patients with 2 or more risk factors than in those with 1 or 0. CONCLUSIONS: MSCT characteristics associated with adverse outcomes after CTO-PCI were occlusion length, minimal vessel area, and severe calcification. KEY POINTS: • Percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion remains a challenge. • The parameters related to adverse outcomes after CTO-PCI have not been clarified. • MSCT can provide useful information associated with adverse outcomes after CTO-PCI.

Impact of sirolimus-eluting stent fractures without early cardiac events on long-term clinical outcomes: a multislice computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the impact of sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) fractures on long-term clinical outcomes using multislice computed tomography (MSCT). METHODS: In this study, 528 patients undergoing 6- to 18-month follow-up 64-slice MSCT after SES implantation without early clinical events were followed clinically (the median follow-up interval was 4.6 years). A CT-detected stent fracture was defined as a complete gap with Hounsfield units (HU) <300 at the site of separation. The major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including cardiac death, stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularisation, were compared according to the presence of stent fracture. RESULTS: Stent fractures were observed in 39 patients (7.4 %). MACEs were more common in patients with CT-detected stent fractures than in those without (46 % vs. 7 %, p < 0.01). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between MACE and stent fracture [hazard ratio (HR) 7.65; p < 0.01], age (HR 1.03; p = 0.04), stent length (HR 1.03; p < 0.01), diabetes mellitus (HR 1.77; p = 0.04), and chronic total occlusion (HR 2.54; p = 0.01). In the multivariate model, stent fracture (HR 5.36; p < 0.01) and age (HR 1.03; p = 0.04) remained significant predictors of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: An SES fracture detected by MSCT without early clinical events was associated with long-term clinical adverse events. KEY POINTS: • Long-term outcomes of sirolimus-eluting stent fracture have not been fully clarified. • MSCT could detect stent fracture with high accuracy. • Sirolimus-eluting stent fracture detected by MSCT was associated with long-term adverse events.

Wire bias modification with reverse orbital atherectomy for safer rotational atherectomy in calcified bifurcation.

Although debulking devices are very useful in modifying calcified plaques, their effectiveness is highly dependent on wire bias. In particular, in eccentric calcified bifurcation lesions, wire bias tends to be poor and needs to be corrected for adequate lesion preparation. A 67-year-old man was diagnosed with exertional angina pectoris. Coronary angiography showed a highly calcified eccentric lesion from the left main trunk to the left anterior descending artery. The patient refused coronary artery bypass surgery, therefore we decided to treat this complex bifurcation lesion with percutaneous coronary intervention. Initially, we performed reverse orbital atherectomy (OA) and sifted the guide wire position into the calcified plaque successfully. We continued with rotational atherectomy (RA) using a 2.0 mm burr and were able to obtain sufficient lumen without complications. Finally, the lesion was dilated with a cutting balloon and a drug-coated balloon to obtain a stent-like result. This case demonstrates that wire bias modification with reverse OA enables us to perform more aggressive and effective RA safely in eccentric calcified bifurcation lesions. This combination atherectomy can become an attractive approach in eccentric calcified bifurcation lesions. Learning objective: Atherectomy devices are helpful for lesion modification in calcified lesions but their effectiveness is highly dependent on wire bias. If the wire bias can be intentionally moved to an optimal position, it can be a very effective procedure in the treatment of calcified lesions. Wire bias modification by reverse ablation with orbital atherectomy that we have demonstrated enables subsequent aggressive rotational atherectomy and this combination atherectomy can be an attractive approach in eccentric calcified lesions.

Long-term serial angiographic outcomes after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated, using quantitative coronary angiography, the natural history of change that occurred in target lesions after successful sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation. BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents (DES) has significantly reduced the rate of repeated target lesion revascularization. However, early studies have raised concerns regarding the "late catch-up" phenomenon of DES. METHODS: Between June 2004 and March 2007, consecutive 217 patients with 306 lesions without restenosis at early angiographic follow-up underwent late angiographic follow-up (early follow-up: 11.2 ± 2.1 months and late follow-up: 29.4 ± 5.2 months). Predictors of late catch-up were identified with univariate and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Although reference vessel diameter did not significantly change during follow-up [3.15 mm (interquartile range (IQR): 2.81-3.49 mm), 3.12 mm (IQR: 2.79-3.47 mm), and 3.08 mm (IQR: 2.76-3.46 mm) at postprocedure, and early and late angiographic follow-up, respectively; P = 0.2653], late loss (LL) significantly increased during follow-up [0.05 mm (IQR: 0.00-0.13 mm) and 0.08 mm (IQR: 0.01-0.19 mm) at early and late follow-up, respectively; P < 0.0001]. Univariate analysis showed previous intervention, adjunctive use of cutting balloon, lesion length, and progression of MLD, LL, %DS at early follow-up as predictors of late catch-up. Multivariate regression analysis identified %DS at early follow-up as a predictor of late catch-up (OR 1.076, CI 1.039-1.114, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Significant and continuous progression of neointima after SES implantation was observed in the present study. Larger LL may be a sign of late catch-up phenomenon.

Impact of Medina classification on clinical outcomes of imaging-guided coronary bifurcation stenting.

Background: Intracoronary imaging improves clinical outcomes after stenting of complex coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs), but the impact of Medina classification-based CBL distribution on outcomes of imaging-guided bifurcation stenting is unclear. Methods: In this integrated analysis of four previous studies, in which all CBLs were treated with drug-eluting stents under intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography guidance, the distribution of 763 CBLs was assessed using angiographic Medina classification. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including target lesion revascularization (TLR), myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and cardiac death, were investigated at 1-year follow-up. Results: The most and least prevalent Medina subtypes were 0-1-0 (27.9 %) and 0-0-1 lesions (2.8 %). The most and least frequent MACE/TLR rates were 18.2 %/18.2 % for 0-0-1 lesions and 4.1 %/2.8 % for 0-1-0 lesions. Risks were higher for 0-0-1 lesions than for 0-1-0 lesions for both MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.04, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-13.45, p = 0.02) and TLR (HR: 6.19, 95 % CI: 1.69-22.74, p = 0.006). MACE rates were similar for true and non-true CBLs excluding 0-0-1 lesions (8.2 % and 5.9 %, HR 1.54, 95 % CI: 0.86-2.77, p = 0.15), while MACE (HR: 3.25, 95 % CI: 1.10-9.63, p = 0.03) and TLR (HR: 4.24, 95 % CI: 1.38-12.96, p = 0.01) risks were higher for 0-0-1 lesions. Conclusions: This integrated analysis of imaging-guided bifurcation stenting demonstrated similar clinical outcomes in true and non-true CBLs, except for 0-0-1 lesions, which had a significantly higher risk of MACE/TLR.

Impact of quantitative flow ratio on graft function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Recent studies showed that preoperative functional assessment with fractional flow reserve (FFR) could predict a long-term patency of arterial bypass grafts in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a novel angiography-based approach to estimate FFR. This study aimed to investigate whether preoperative QFR could discriminate arterial bypass function at 1 year after surgery. The PRIDE-METAL registry was a prospective, multicenter observational study that enrolled 54 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. By protocol, left coronary stenoses were revascularized by CABG with arterial grafts, whereas right coronary stenoses were treated with coronary stenting. Follow-up angiography at 1 year after surgery was scheduled to assess arterial graft patency. QFR was performed using index angiography by certified analysts, blinded to bypass graft function. The primary end point of this sub-study was the discriminative ability of QFR for arterial graft function, as assessed by receiver-operating characteristic curve. Among 54 patients enrolled in the PRIDE-METAL registry, index and follow-up angiography was available in 41 patients with 97 anastomoses. QFR were analyzed in 35 patients (71 anastomoses) with an analyzability of 85.5% (71/83). Five bypass grafts were found to be non-functional at 1 year. The diagnostic performance of QFR was substantial (area under the curve: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.83 to 0.96) with an optimal cutoff of 0.76 to predict functionality of bypass grafts. Preoperative QFR is highly discriminative for predicting postoperative arterial graft function.Trial registration: Clinical.gov reference: NCT02894255.

Impact of coronary bifurcation angle on stent malapposition in a randomized comparison between proximal optimization technique followed by side branch dilatation and kissing balloon inflation.

Background: The impact of coronary bifurcation angle (BA) on incomplete stent apposition (ISA) after crossover stenting followed by side branch (SB) intervention has not been established. Methods: A total of 100 crossover stentings randomly treated with proximal optimization technique followed by short balloon dilation in the SB (POT-SBD group, 48 patients) and final kissing balloon technique (KBT group, 52 patients) were analyzed in the PROPOT trial. Major ISA with maximum distance > 400 µm and its location was determined using optical coherence tomography before SB intervention and at the final procedure. The BA was defined as the angle between the distal main vessel and SB. Optimal POT was determined when the difference in stent volume index between the proximal and distal bifurcation was greater than the median value (0.86 mm3/mm) before SB intervention. Result: Major ISA was more frequently observed in the POT-SBD than in the KBT group (35% versus 17%, p < 0.05). In the POT-SBD group, worsening ISA after SBD was prominent at the distal bifurcation. The BA was an independent predictor of major ISA (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.07, p < 0.05) with a cut-off value of 59.5° (p < 0.05). However, the cases treated with optimal POT in the short BA (<60°) indicated the lowest incidence of major ISA. In the KBT group, BA had no significant impact. Conclusion: A wide BA has a potential risk for the occurrence of major ISA after POT followed by SBD in coronary bifurcation stenting.

Rewiring to the dissected branch along the jailed balloon (Real JAB technique)-A novel rewiring technique for the dissected branch in bifurcation lesion-case report.

Guidewire recrossing into the branch through the stent strut is difficult when that branch was injured or occluded after stenting in the true bifurcation lesion. A 72-year-old man with chronic total occlusion in both mid-left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and 2nd diagonal branch (D) was admitted to our hospital. We put a 2.25 × 38 mm drug-eluting stent from the LAD to the D with culotte stenting. However, the LAD occluded after stenting. Although we tried to recross, it was impossible because the guidewire migrated subintimal space which was caused by guidewire manipulation. So, we advanced a 2.25 mm balloon catheter on the 1st guidewire which had already been placed outside of the stent in the LAD, and inflated it at bifurcation to compress the subintimal space. Subsequently, we advanced another guidewire through the strut along the surface of the balloon catheter. Immediately after the deflation of the balloon, the guidewire slipped into the distal LAD without resistance. Large branch occlusion after stenting is a serious complication in true bifurcation treatment. Our new bailout technique is effective for recrossing a guidewire into the dissected branch to preserve it. .

Verification of the differences of scoring effect in current scoring balloons.

The characteristics of each scoring balloon seem to be different because material or configuration of scoring element in each device is unique. The aim of this study is to clarify the difference of scoring effect among 3 different scoring devices. We prepared 3 different scoring devices [Wolverine™ Cutting Balloon™ (CB), ScoreFlex™ NC (SF), NSE Alpha™ (NSE), n = 5 respectively. Balloon diameter is 3 mm and 2 types of silicone tubes with different elasticity [140 kPa (tube S) and 576 kPa (tube H), respectively. Inner diameter is 3 mm]. We dilated each balloon in each silicone tube with nominal pressure (NP) and 20 atmosphere (HP) and took a picture using a micro CT. We measured penetration depth of all scoring elements into silicone tube wall and calculated their percentage using the following formula; penetration depth/original scoring element height × 100. We also observed the deformation of scoring element during balloon inflation in each device. Scoring element of CB cut deeper into both tubes significantly than SF and NSE at both pressure (40.5% vs 25.1% and 16.8% at NP and 86.1% vs 33.5% and 29.1% at HP in tube S, p < 0.01, respectively, 62.6% vs 33.5% and 17.0% at NP and 93.3% vs 45.1% and 36.5% at HP in tube H, p < 0.01, respectively). Although no deformation of scoring element was recognized in CB, some deformations were observed in 50% of NSE and 40% of SF (p = 0.0377). Scoring balloon with sharp and firmly fixed scoring elements like CB may show definite scoring effect.