Jailed high-pressure balloon technique is superior to jailed wire technique in protecting side branch of coronary bifurcation lesions.

Objectives. This study investigated the influence of higher pressure protection with a small diameter balloon of side branch (SB) on bifurcation lesions. Background. Of the different coronary stent implantation techniques, the modified jailed balloon technique has become a viable option for bifurcation lesions. However, there was no detailed study on the relationship between the balloon inflation pressure of the main vessel (MV) and SB. Methods. In this study, we collected information of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bifurcated lesions between March 2019 and December 2022. They were divided into two groups according to the operation way: active jailed balloon technique (A-JBT) group and jailed wire technique (JWT) group. Results. A total of 216 patients were enrolled. The A-JBT group had a larger SB stenosis diameter (1.53 ± 0.69 vs. 0.95 ± 0.52, p < .001), the lower degree of stenosis (44.34 ± 18.30 vs. 63.69 ± 17.34, p < .001) compared to the JWT group. However, the JWT group had a higher incidence of SB occlusion (18.0% vs. 1.9%, p < .001) compared to the A-JBT group. Nevertheless, the success rate for both groups was 100%. Conclusions. This novel high inflation pressure and small diameter balloon approach we propose has significant advantages. There is a lower rate of SB occlusion and SB dissection, which is more cost-effective and provides better clinical outcomes for the patient. This method should be considered in the future for treating bifurcation lesions.

Review of Techniques for Protecting Side Branch from Occlusion during Provisional Stenting in Coronary Bifurcation Lesions.

Coronary bifurcation lesions remain one of the most challenging lesions for cardiology interventionists. The provisional stenting strategy has been regarded as the first option for most of these lesions. However, the main complication of this technique is side branch (SB) occlusion, which could lead to a peri-procedural myocardial infarction or even death. Various studies have focused on addressing this issue, but there are no definitive guidelines in the literature to treat these lesions. There isn't enough clinical evidence from randomized controlled trial or two-arm cohort studies to illustrate which techniques provide the best outcomes. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms, independent predictors and predictive models of SB occlusion, and review seventeen techniques involving SB protection and occlusion rescue. Every technique was evaluated according to related bench tests, clinical studies and our own clinical experiences. The aim of this review is to provide interventionists with new insights for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions.

Validation of the V-RESOLVE (Visual Estimation for Risk prEdiction of Side Branch OccLusion in Coronary Bifurcation interVEntion) score system in unprotected left main bifurcation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the risk of side branch (SB) occlusion using the V-RESOLVE (The Visual Estimation for Risk prEdiction of Side Branch OccLusion in Coronary Bifurcation interVEntion) score in unprotected left main (LM) bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: The V-RESOLVE score is a validated score system, based on visual estimation of angiographic data, for prediction of the risk of SB occlusion after main vessel (MV) stenting in non-LM bifurcation lesions. However, its predictive value for unprotected LM bifurcation lesions remains to be validated. METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2016, 855 patients undergoing unprotected LM bifurcation PCI using a provisional strategy were included. Baseline and prestenting angiographic data were analyzed, and the V-RESOLVE score was calculated. SB occlusion was defined as any decrease in thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade or the absence of flow in the SB after MV stenting. The predictive performance of the V-RESOLVE score was judged by discrimination, calibration, and clinical application. RESULTS: vSB occlusion occurred in 19 (2.2%) of 855 unprotected LM bifurcation PCI procedures using a provisional strategy. The V-RESOLVE score for SB occlusion had brilliant discrimination (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77-0.84) and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow: p = 0.154). Stratified by the V-RESOLVE score, significantly higher rates of SB occlusion were observed in the high-risk group (score: 12-43) compared with the nonhigh-risk group (score: 0-11) (4.4% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The V-RESOLVE score is a promising tool to predict the risk of SB occlusion and facilitate decision-making for unprotected LM bifurcation PCI.

Procedural-related coronary atrial branch occlusion during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and atrial arrhythmias at follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of procedural-related atrial branch occlusion in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and its association with atrial arrhythmias at 1-year follow-up. BACKGROUND: Atrial ischemia due to procedural-related coronary atrial branch occlusion in elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been associated with atrial arrhythmias. Its role in a STEMI scenario is unknown. METHODS: STEMI patients treated with primary PCI were classified according to the loss or patency of an atrial branch at the end of the procedure. The occurrence of atrial arrhythmias was documented on 24-hr Holter-ECG at 3 and 6 months or on ECG during 1-year follow-up visits. RESULTS: Of 900 patients, 355 (age 61 ± 12 years, 79% male) underwent primary PCI involving the origin of an atrial branch. Procedural-related coronary atrial branch occlusion was observed in 18 (5%) individuals). During 1-year follow-up, 33% of patients with procedural-related atrial branch occlusion presented atrial arrhythmias, as compared with 55% in those with a patent atrial branch (p = .088). Age, no previous history of myocardial infarction, and a reduced flow in the culprit vessel were the only independent correlates of atrial arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of procedural-related atrial branch occlusion during primary PCI is low (5%) and is not associated with increased frequency of atrial arrhythmias at 1-year follow-up.

Validation of the V-RESOLVE (Visual Estimation for Risk prEdiction of Side Branch OccLusion in Coronary Bifurcation interVEntion) score system.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to validate the V-RESOLVE score system. BACKGROUND: The V-RESOLVE score was developed to predict the risk of side branch (SB) occlusion after stenting in the main vessel (MV) of coronary bifurcation lesions based on visual estimation of the angiographic data, but it needed to be validated. METHODS: From January to June 2013, 1,286 patients with 1,820 bifurcation lesions undergoing elective intervention with provisional strategy were included. Angiographic data before MV stenting were reviewed, and the V-RESOLVE score was calculated. SB occlusion was defined as any decrease in thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade or the absence of flow in the SB after MV stenting. The statistical performance of the prediction model was assessed by its discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. RESULTS: SB occlusion occurred in 222 (12.20%) of 1,820 bifurcation lesions. The discrimination of the V-RESOLVE score for the validation cohort was good [C-statistic: 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77-0.84]. Regarding calibration performance, the calibration-in-the-large was -0.03 (95% CI: -0.181 to 0.12), while the combined predictive effect was slightly enlarged (calibration slope: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.081-1.41) and, mainly attributed to the stronger predictive effect of the diameter stenosis of the SB before MV stenting. Stratified by the V-RESOLVE score, the SB occlusion rate was significantly higher in the high-risk group (26.18%) than in the non-high-risk group (3.48%). CONCLUSIONS: The V-RESOLVE score system is a useful tool to help risk prediction for SB occlusion and decision-making in bifurcation intervention.

Is side branch lesion length an independent predictor of acute side branch occlusion in provisional strategy? Analysis of 524 consecutive bifurcation lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To detect the impact of side branch (SB) lesion length on acute SB occlusion after main vessel (MV) stenting. METHODS: Five hundred sixteen consecutive patients with 524 bifurcation lesions undergoing one-stent techniques were studied. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of acute SB occlusion. The lesions were also further divided into two groups according to the median SB lesion length. The incidences of SB occlusion and lesion characteristics in the two subgroups were compared. RESULTS: The SB lesion length was not significantly different between lesions with and without SB occlusion. In the SB occlusion group, the distance between the position of the minimal lumen diameter and SB ostium was significantly shorter than that in the non-SB occlusion group (1.76 ± 1.04 mm vs. 2.72 ± 2.65 mm; P = 0.0003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high BA before stenting, plaque accumulation located on the same side as the SB, the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade of the SB before stenting, and the DS of the SB before MV stenting were independently predictive of SB occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: SB lesion length cannot be regarded as an independent predictor of acute SB occlusion after MV stenting.

Plaque morphology predictors of side branch occlusion after provisional stenting in coronary bifurcation lesion: Results of optical coherence tomography bifurcation study (ORBID).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of side branch (SB) ostial stenosis developed after provisional stenting of the main vessel (MV) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). BACKGROUND: Provisional stenting remains the main approach to treatment of bifurcation lesions; however, it may result in the narrowing of SB ostium. There is little information about underlying plaque morphology of the MV lesion and its potential impact on the SB after provisional stenting. METHODS: Patients with stable coronary disease with angiographic MV lesion not involving SB were included in a prospective single center study. The primary outcome was significant SB ostium stenosis (SBOS), defined as residual stenosis of >50% after MV stenting. RESULTS: Thirty bifurcation lesions in 30 patients were analyzed in the study. Poststenting significant SBOS was observed in 30% of patients. The MV lesions with SBOS > 50% were characterized by a higher prevalence of lipid rich plaques (100 vs. 64%, p = 0.040) and spotty calcifications (60 vs. 0%, p = 0.005). Maximal lipid arcs were greater (257° vs. 132°, p = 0.001) and lipid volume index was higher (1380 vs. 574, p = 0.012) in the SBOS >50% group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified maximal lipid arc (odds ratio (OR): 1.014, p = 0.038) and the presence of lipid plaque contralateral to SB ostium (OR: 8.14, p = 0.046) before stenting as independent predictors of significant SBOS after PCI. CONCLUSIONS: High lipid content of the MV lesion and a contralateral location of lipid in the bifurcation area may contribute to SBOS after provisional stenting. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Can "true bifurcation lesion" actually be regarded as an independent risk factor of acute side branch occlusion after main vessel stenting?: A retrospective analysis of 1,200 consecutive bifurcation lesions in a single center.

OBJECTIVES: True bifurcation lesion (TBL) is conventionally considered as a risk factor for acute side branch (SB) occlusion when using a single-stent strategy to treat bifurcation lesions. The impact of TBLs on acute SB occlusion after main vessel (MV) stenting was investigated. METHODS: A total of 1,170 consecutive patients with 1,200 bifurcation lesions undergoing one-stent or provisional two-stent techniques were studied. The TBLs were divided into two groups depending on their Medina classification. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of acute SB occlusion. According to the median diameter of stenosis (DS) in the MV and the SB after pre-dilatation, the TBL group was divided into three subgroups: subgroup I (DS of both the MV and the SB

Intravascular ultrasound predictors of acute side branch occlusion in coronary artery bifurcation lesions just after single stent crossover.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) predictors of acute side branch (SB) occlusions just after single stent crossover in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary bifurcation lesions. BACKGROUND: PCI for bifurcation lesions remains technically challenging and has more clinical complications such as SB occlusion than non-bifurcation lesions. Although single stent crossover is the most common approach in treating bifurcation lesions, the predictors of acute SB occlusion are unclear. METHODS: Single stent crossover was performed on 174 patients with a total of 272 bifurcation lesions who were enrolled in this study. Each patient also underwent pre-PCI IVUS in a major vessel (MV). SB was defined as ostium diameter of ≥1.5 mm measured by IVUS, and occluded SB was defined as a thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade of ≤2 just after stent implantation. We defined the SB diameter ratio as ostial SB total diameter (media-to-media) divided by ostial SB luminal diameter (intima-to-intima). RESULTS: There were 52 SBs in the occluded group (19.1%). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the SB occluded and non-SB occluded groups. Logistic-regression analysis revealed that the thickness of MV plaque on the bilateral sides of SB at the junction site and the SB diameter ratio were independent predictors of SB occlusion just after stent implantation. CONCLUSIONS: In the IVUS observation, the MV plaque thickness at the junction site and the SB diameter ratio are predictors of acute SB occlusion just after single stent crossover.

How bifurcation angle impacts the fate of side branch after main vessel stenting: a retrospective analysis of 1,200 consecutive bifurcation lesions in a single center.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect of bifurcation angle (BA) on side branch (SB) occlusion after main vessel (MV) stenting. BACKGROUND: BA is thought to impact the risk of SB occlusion in coronary bifurcation patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 1,171 consecutive patients with 1,200 bifurcation lesions undergoing one stent or provisional two stent techniques were studied. The lesions were divided into low angle and high angle groups using the median BA (52°). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of SB occlusion. RESULTS: SB occlusion occurred in 88 (7.33%) of 1,200 bifurcation lesions treated with the one stent technique or MV stenting first strategy. The rate of SB occlusion was significantly higher in the high angle group (63/600, 10.5%) than the low angle group (25/600, 4.2%) (P < 0.001). The rate of SB occlusion increased significantly across quartiles of BA as follows: from 3.63% in the first quartile of BA, to 4.71% in quartile II, to 8.14% in quartile III to 12.97% in quartile IV (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that high angle was an independent predictor of SB occlusion (odds ratio: 1.026, 95% confidence intervals: 1.014-1.037, P < 0.001). Plaque distribution at the same side of SB, MV Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade before stenting, pre-procedural diameter stenosis of bifurcation core, diameter ratio between MV/SB and diameter stenosis of SB before MV stenting were also independent predictors of SB occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: High BA was an independent predictor of SB occlusion after MV stenting. The occlusion risk of SB with a high BA should not be ignored.

Successful coronary stent implantation using directional coronary atherectomy without side branch occlusion.

Percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent was successfully performed without a side branch (SB) occlusion. In this case, a directional coronary atherectomy catheter played an important role in modifying the plaque at the proximal left anterior descending artery and in crossing a wire to the jeopardized SB.

Jailed Balloon Technique Is Superior to Jailed Wire Technique in Reducing the Rate of Side Branch Occlusion: Subgroup Analysis of the Conventional Versus Intentional StraTegy in Patients With High Risk PrEdiction of Side Branch OccLusion in Coronary Bifurcation InterVEntion Trial.

Objective: Jailed balloon technique (JBT) is an active side branch (SB) protection strategy and is considered to be superior to the jailed wire technique (JWT) in reducing SB occlusion. However, no randomized trials have proved that. We aim to investigate whether JBT could decrease the SB occlusion rate. Methods: Conventional versus Intentional straTegy in patients with high Risk prEdiction of Side branch OccLusion in coronary bifurcation interVEntion (CIT-RESOLVE) (NCT02644434, registered on December 31, 2015) (https://clinicaltrials.gov) is a randomized trial that assessed the effects of different strategies on SB occlusion rate in patients with a high risk of SB occlusion. The present subgroup analysis enrolled bifurcation lesions (2 mm ≤ reference vessel diameter of SB < 2.5 mm) with Visual estimation for Risk prEdiction of Side branch OccLusion in coronary bifurcation intervention (V-RESOLVE) score ≥ 12 points. The primary endpoint is SB occlusion. One-year clinical events were compared. Results: A total of 284 subjects at 16 sites were randomly assigned to the JBT group (n = 143) or the JWT group (n = 141). The rate of SB occlusion (9.1 vs. 19.9%, p = 0.02) and periprocedural myocardial infarction (defined by WHO, 7 vs. 14.9%, p = 0.03) is significantly lower in the JBT group than in the JWT group. The JBT and JWT groups showed no significant differences in cardiac death (0.7 vs. 0.7%, p = 1), myocardial infarction (MI, 6.3 vs. 7.1%, p = 0.79), target lesion revascularization (TLR, 1.4 vs. 2.1%, p = 0.68), and major cardiac adverse events (MACE, a composite of all-cause death, MI, or TLR, 8.4 vs. 10.6%, p = 0.52) during a 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: In patients with a high risk of SB occlusion (V-RESOLVE score ≥ 12 points), JBT is superior to JWT in reducing SB occlusion. However, no significant differences were detected in 1-year MACE.

Inadvertent Septal Ablation During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

We present a case of inadvertent occlusion of a septal artery from being jailed during percutaneous coronary intervention of left anterior descending artery. This resulted in partial loss of the interventricular septum. Risks of side branch occlusion and bifurcation stenting are discussed.

Association Between Flow Impairment in Dominant Coronary Atrial Branches and Atrial Arrhythmias in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of atrial ischemia in the occurrence of atrial arrhythmias may vary based on the amount of jeopardized myocardium. We sought to determine the association between coronary flow impairment in dominant coronary atrial branches (CAB) and atrial arrhythmias at 1-year follow-up in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. METHODS: Patients with STEMI involving the right or circumflex coronary artery were included. Dominant CAB was defined as the most developed CAB. Patients were followed-up during 1 year, including 24-h Holter ECG at 3 and 6 months. Atrial arrhythmias were defined as atrial fibrillation/flutter, atrial tachycardia (≥3 consecutive supraventricular ectopic beats) and excessive supraventricular ectopic activity (>30 supraventricular beats/h or runs ≥20 beats). RESULTS: A dominant CAB was identified in 897 of 900 patients STEMI (age 61 ± 12 years, 79% male). TIMI flow < 3 at the dominant CAB was present in 69 (8%) patients. Compared to those with dominant CAB preserved flow, patients with dominant CAB flow impairment presented with higher levels of troponin T (3.9 [2.2-8.2] vs. 3.1 [1.3-5.8], P = 0.008)and higher rates of atrial tachycardia at 3 months (68% vs. 37%, P = 0.007) and more supraventricular ectopic beats both at 3 months (58 [21-235] vs. 33 [12-119], P = 0.02) and at 6 months (62 [24-156] vs. 32 [12-115]; P = 0.04) on 24-h Holter ECG. Age and an impaired coronary flow at the dominant CAB were independently related to a higher risk of developing atrial arrhythmias at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Dominant CAB flow impairment is infrequent and is associated with the occurrence of atrial arrhythmias, in the form atrial tachycardia and supraventricular ectopic beats, at follow-up.

Active SB-P Versus Conventional Approach to the Protection of High-Risk Side Branches: The CIT-RESOLVE Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether an active side branch protection (SB-P) strategy is superior to the conventional strategy in reducing side branch (SB) occlusion in high-risk bifurcation treatment. BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of SB occlusion after main vessel stenting followed by the use of specific strategies to prevent occlusion would be beneficial during bifurcation intervention. METHODS: Eligible patients who had a bifurcation lesions with high risk for occlusion as determined using the validated V-RESOLVE (Visual Estimation for Risk Prediction of Side Branch Occlusion in Coronary Bifurcation Intervention) score were randomized to an active SB-P strategy group (elective 2-stent strategy for large SBs and jailed balloon technique for small SBs) or a conventional strategy group (provisional stenting for large SBs and jailed wire technique for small SBs) in a 1:1 ratio stratified by SB vessel size. The primary endpoint of SB occlusion was defined as an angiography core laboratory-assessed decrease in TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) flow grade or absence of flow in the SB immediately after full apposition of the main vessel stent to the vessel wall. RESULTS: A total of 335 subjects at 16 sites were randomized to the SB-P group (n = 168) and conventional group (n = 167). Patients in the SB-P versus conventional strategy group had a significantly lower rate of SB occlusion (7.7% [13 of 168] vs. 18.0% [30 of 167]; risk difference: -9.1%; 95% confidence interval: -13.1% to -1.8%; p = 0.006), driven mainly by the difference in the small SB subgroup (jailed balloon technique vs. jailed wire technique: 8.1% vs. 18.5%; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: An active SB-P strategy is superior to a conventional strategy in reducing SB occlusion when treating high-risk bifurcation lesions. (Conventional Versus Intentional Strategy in Patients With High Risk Prediction of Side Branch Occlusion in Coronary Bifurcation Intervention [CIT-RESOLVE]; NCT02644434).

Carina Bifurcation Angle and Side Branch Occlusion in Coronary Bifurcation Lesions Intervention: Angiographic Lesions Characteristic Role in Determining Its Relation.

Side branch occlusion has been implicated as a complication after percutaneous coronary intervention in coronary bifurcation lesions. The role of carina bifurcation angle as one of the characteristics of the coronary bifurcation lesions in causing side branch occlusion after percutaneous coronary intervention is still debated. This study aims to assess the correlation between carina bifurcation angles as one of the characteristics of the coronary bifurcation lesions and side branch occlusion in elective percutaneous coronary intervention. This is a cross-sectional study which utilizes CAAS 5.1 software to measure carina bifurcation angle. We collected 113 lesions in 108 patients that met the inclusion criteria from January 2016 to October 2016. Side branch occlusion occurred in 15 lesions (13.3%), with median carina bifurcation angle 19.17 degrees ( p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed there is a correlation between carina bifurcation angle with side branch occlusion, OR (odds ratio) 0.86 (95% CI [confidence interval]: 0.80-0.92) with ≤ 33.71 degrees cut off value. Increased risk of side branch occlusion was found in small carina bifurcation angle.

A randomised comparison of Conventional versus Intentional straTegy in patients with high Risk prEdiction of Side branch OccLusion in coronary bifurcation interVEntion: rationale and design of the CIT-RESOLVE trial.

INTRODUCTION: The intentional strategy (aggressive side branch (SB) protection strategy: elective two-stent strategy or jailed balloon technique) is thought to be associated with lower SB occlusion rate than conventional strategy (provisional two-stent strategy or jailed wire technique). However, most previous studies showed comparable outcomes between the two strategies, probably due to no risk classification of SB occlusion when enrolling patients. There is still no randomised trial compared the intentional and conventional strategy when treating bifurcation lesions with high risk of SB occlusion. We aim to investigate if intentional strategy is associated with significant reduction of SB occlusion rate compared with conventional strategy in high-risk patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Conventional versus Intentional straTegy in patients with high Risk prEdiction of Side branch OccLusion in coronary bifurcation interVEntion (CIT-RESOLVE) is a prospective, randomised, single-blind, multicentre clinical trial comparing the rate of SB occlusion between the intentional strategy group and the conventional strategy group (positive control group) in a consecutive cohort of patients with high risk of side branch occlusion defined by V-RESOLVE score, which is a validated angiographic scoring system to evaluate the risk of SB occlusion in bifurcation intervention and used as one of the inclusion criteria to select patients with high SB occlusion risk (V-RESOLVE score ≥12). A total of 21 hospitals from 10 provinces in China participated in the present study. 566 patients meeting all inclusion/exclusion criteria are randomised to either intentional strategy group or conventional strategy group. The primary endpoint is SB occlusion (defined as any decrease in thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade or absence of flow in SB after main vessel stenting). All patients are followed up for 12-month postdischarge. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has been approved by all local ethics committee. The ethics committee have approved the study protocol, evaluated the risk to benefit ratio, allowed operators with a minimum annual volume of 200 cases to participate in the percutaneous coronary intervention procedure and permitted them to perform both conventional and intentional strategies. Written informed consent would be acquired from all participants. The findings of the trial will be shared by the participant hospitals and disseminated through peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02644434; Pre-results.

Fenestration of a Papyrus PK covered stent to recover the occluded left main bifurcation after sealing a left main perforation during a CTO procedure.

Covered stents are indicated for coronary perforations, but they may seal off major side branches in that process. We report the successful sealing of an ostial left main perforation, induced by a guide catheter in the course of a retrograde approach to treat a chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the right coronary artery (RCA) in a 76year old woman with prior CABG. The implanted Papyrus covered stent, however, overlapped the left main bifurcation and occluded the non-grafted circumflex artery (CX) resulting in acute ischemia. Through a double lumen catheter advanced over the wire located in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) territory, a stiff recanalization wire could be advanced from the side-port to penetrate the stent membrane towards the CX. This was successfully achieved, and after subsequent dilatation, a drug-eluting stent was implanted in Culotte-fashion from the CX to the left main with subsequent kissing-balloon dilatation. The clinical symptoms subsided immediately, and the RCA was finally recanalized in antegrade parallel wire technique. No periprocedural infarct was observed during 48h of follow-up before discharge. At clinical follow-up of 6months the patient is symptom-free.

An angiographic tool for risk prediction of side branch occlusion in coronary bifurcation intervention: the RESOLVE score system (Risk prEdiction of Side branch OccLusion in coronary bifurcation interVEntion).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to establish a scoring system to evaluate the risk of side branch (SB) occlusion in patients undergoing coronary bifurcation intervention. BACKGROUND: The risk of SB occlusion is the most important consideration affecting the selection of an optimal intervention strategy. METHODS: A total of 1,545 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcation lesions (1,601 lesions treated with a single stent technique or main vessel [MV] stenting first strategy) were studied. A total of 1,200 lesions were used to construct the risk model and score system, and 401 lesions were used to validate the model. A multivariable risk score (RESOLVE [Risk prEdiction of Side branch OccLusion in coronary bifurcation interVEntion]) was constructed with incremental weights attributed to each component variable according to its estimated coefficients. SB occlusion after MV stenting was defined as any decrease in Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade or absence of flow in SB after MV stenting. RESULTS: SB occlusion occurred in 118 (7.37%) of 1,601 bifurcation lesions. In multivariable analyses, 6 variables were independently associated with the risk of SB occlusion (model C-statistic = 0.80 [95% confidence interval: 0.75 to 0.85] with good calibration). For the 401 lesions included in the validation cohort, the RESOLVE score had a C-statistic of 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.69 to 0.86), with good calibration. SB occlusion rates in the validation cohort increased significantly across different risk groups, from 0.0% in the low-risk group, to 3.8% in the intermediate-risk group, and to 19.8% in the high-risk group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The RESOLVE score, a novel angiographic risk stratification tool, can help identify patients at risk for SB occlusion during bifurcation intervention.