Methods for SB Wiring

1. For SB wiring, the shape of the tip of the wire should have single bend for Y-shaped and double bend for T-shaped bifurcation. It is better to avoid hydrophilic or polymer tip coating for primary SB wire due to the risk of wire rupture. The shape of the two wires must be adapted to their secondary use if a “wire swap” or recross is needed.

2. For extreme-angled bifurcations, reverse wire technique is useful (Fig. 7).

3. In some cases, supercross microcatheter is useful.

4. Occasionally, plaque modification by dilatation of undersized balloon proximal to carina or rotational atherectomy may be useful.

5. In cases where direct access is not possible, the wire needs to be bent to reach the contralateral wall as hinge point, in order to direct the tip of the wire into the ostium of the SB. The distal tip of the wire is then usually pushed forward in a rotational movement to reduce the risk of wire prolapse into the MV. This technique to access a SB is supported by either a double-bend or by a long, progressive curve at the tip of the wire.

6. After entering the ostium, the forward push is usually accompanied by a slight rotation to avoid a prolapse of the wire into the distal MB. In case the wire continues to prolapse into the distal MB, it can be considered to block the distal vessel with a balloon at low pressure.

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Fig. 7 Schematic diagram demonstrating the method of SB wiring with reverse loop technique. Abbreviation: SB, side branch.

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Fig. 7 Schematic diagram demonstrating the method of SB wiring with reverse loop technique. Abbreviation: SB, side branch.

A) Provisional one-stent approach 4 16

• I). SB preservation depends on multiple factors

  • a). Vessel size

The most important concept to understand a bifurcation lesion is the relationship between the sizes of these vessels (Fig. 8).

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Fig. 8 Depicting the three different laws depending on size of D1 (diameter of proximal main vessel), D2 (diameter of distal main vessel), and D3 (diameter of SB). Abbreviation: SB, side branch.

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Fig. 8 Depicting the three different laws depending on size of D1 (diameter of proximal main vessel), D2 (diameter of distal main vessel), and D3 (diameter of SB). Abbreviation: SB, side branch.

Murray’s Law

According to Murray’s law

D₁ ³ = D₂ ³+D₃ ³, whereas D1 = diameter of proximal MV, D2 = diameter of distal MV and D3= diameter of the SB.17 This law is applicable in normal and diseased bifurcations, which was proved by the IVUS study.18 But this law is not applicable in calcific lesions and in situations like acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In these two conditions, the size of the vessel is to be assessed by IVUS.

We take precautions in two conditions when we are applying this law

1. As the size of the SB increases, there is more discrepancy between the proximal MV and distal MV, which needs proximal optimization technique (POT) to correct the discrepancy.19

2. According to this law, in kissing balloon technique, the cross-sectional area of both balloons together is larger than the cross-sectional area of the proximal MV. So, to prevent injury to the proximal MV, moderate pressure inflation of two balloons is better.20

Finet’s Law

This law is derived from the angiograms of normal bifurcation by quantitative analysis.21

So, it is better to assess the size of the vessels by IVUS, than derive value from these laws.15

Huo–Kassab Law

According to this combiner, 7/3 power of D2 and D3 is equivalent to 7/3 power of D1.

• • b). Methods to prevent SB occlusion

The definition of SB occlusion is angiographical decrease in thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade or absence of flow in SB immediately after full-expansion of MV stenting. The SB compromise was associated with the increased risk of periprocedural cardiac mortality and MI,22 even though the peri-procedural MI, was not associated with long-term adverse outcomes.23 Deepti et al demonstrated importance of proximal angle in addition to bifurcation angle, as the coronary artery is an three-dimensional structure. So, proximal angle is not just 180°minus the bifurcation angle.24

The predictors of SB occlusion25 are

1. SB ostial disease and lesion length.

2. PV stenosis.

3. ACS.

4. Nonleft main disease.

5. B2 lesions.

Whereas jailed wire technique, SB predilatation, and IVUS guidance were not predictors for SB occlusion.

Visual estimation for risk prediction of side branch occlusion in coronary bifurcation intervention (V-RESOLVE) is the scoring system to predict the chances of SB occlusion. If this score is > 12, then there is high-risk of SB occlusion (Table 1).

The IVUS study gives information about plaque shift in POT and carinal shift in in MB stent expansion. So, it is better to do proximal and distal optimization in bifurcation lesions.26

Conventional versus intentional strategy in lesions with high risk prediction of side branch occlusion in intervention (CIT-RESOLVE), a randomized trial, showed that of SB protection strategy (if SB ≥ 2.5 mm: elective two-stent or SB reference vessel diameter [RVD] < 2.5 mm: jailed balloon technique) is superior in SB occlusion prevention; in turn, periprocedural MI development is better than conventional strategy (SB RVD ≥ 2.5 mm: provisional stenting and if SB RVD < 2.5 mm: jailed wire technique) in patients with coronary bifurcations and high predicted risk of SB occlusion by RESOLVE score.

• II) Predilation of SB

Predilation of SB is a controversy. Routine predilation of SB is not advisable. This has to be preserved to high-risk lesions like tight ostial lesion, very calcified SB or difficult to access. Precautions need to be taken to not dissect the SB ostium which experiences more difficult in rewiring.27

• III) MV stenting and optimization technique

The large the size of SB, the larger the discrepancy of PV and MB vessel size. The steps in MV stenting are

1. Method to select the size of the stent–MV stenting is the selection of stent with optimal size to distal vessel diameter by IVUS (distal optimization). If stent larger than the proximal MV size is taken, then two disadvantages could materialize. One, distal edge dissection and risk of carinal shifting. Another important point to be consider during the selection of the stent is that the proximal MV stent should accommodate the effective balloon size of the both the branches, in order to prevent the stent fracture. When the distal reference vessel is diseased, then select the stent, depending on the average of lumen and vessel diameters. It is better to take smaller size stent as calcium is there in the reference segment to prevent distal stent edge dissection.

2. Proximal optimization technique (POT)–POT is essential to bring back the normal physiologic anatomy of the bifurcation. POT facilitates to reduce risk of abluminal wiring. This decreases the number of struts across the ostium of SB; the present strut will expand well and approximate the proximal stent portion to the vessel wall at the ostium. POT is postdilating the MV stent just proximal to the carina, with a short noncompliant (NC) balloon sized for the reference diameter of PV. The shoulder of the balloon is more important than the marker. The shoulder is against the SB ostium. So, MV stent has to deployed at least 6 to 8 mm proximal to SB to have good result after POT. POT causes the opening of the strut into the SB and facilitates the rewiring of SB.

   The purpose of the POT is

   1. To facilitate the passage of a wire and balloon into the distal struts on MV stent.28

   2. It improves proximal MV stent apposition and eccentricity.29 Ellipticity of the reference vessel should be 1, meaning circular or round. Even in Murray's law, the importance of POT was mentioned.

Even though many studies insists on doing POT regularly, prospective randomized study to evaluate proximal optimization technique in coronary bifurcation lesions (PROPOT)30 study showed that there is no benefit of POT as the PV is fully expanded by two balloons used for kissing technique. This study involves zotarolimus stent for bifurcation lesion, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in POT and non-POT group showed no superiority of POT over kissing balloon dilatation (KBD) for stent apposition.

Methods to Recross of SB

1. Pull back technique–Angulated wire already in MV is pulled back to engage the ostium of SB.

2. Third wire–Hydrophilic or polymer tip coating wires (Hi-Torque whisper or PT2 or Hi-Torque Pilot 50 & 150 wires) or hydrophilic with good torque like Fielder FC, Fielder XT, and Sion may be preferred for the rewiring of SB after stenting.

3. Plaque modification–by POT.

4. Either Super Cross micro catheter or Venture Wire control catheter is helpful in difficult cases.

5. Use of a second buddy wire, guideline catheter (Vascular Solutions), or a low-profile 1.25 mm balloon can be helpful to recross SB through the MB stent struts.

6. Reverse wire technique.

7. Use of double lumen catheter.

8. Inverted crush technique–On jailed wire, bigger size balloon is passed and dilatated to crush the MV stent which is protected with a wire. Then, another stent is implanted from proximal MV to SB, followed by FKB dilatation.

9. Jailed balloon technique (JBT)–Complete SB occlusion following MV stenting as a last resort jailed balloon technique (JBT) can be used.37 In conventional jailed balloon technique, uninflated balloon is left at the carina, extending into the SB, while the MV stent is deployed. This balloon facilitates in decreasing the plaque or carinal shift. If there is no compromise of the SB, then the uninflated balloon in SB is removed. If SB compromise occurs, then the uninflated balloon guides recrossing the SB, as it alters the carinal angle in favor of crossing, or if rewiring could not be done then to dilate to establish flow in the SB, followed by MV stent balloon dilatation. In modified jailed balloon technique, the SB balloon is inflated, keeping just at the ostium without protruding into the MV, so that MV stent deformation does not occur.Then, both the MV stent balloon and SB balloon need to be inflated.

Sometimes, balloons may not be possible to advance over the recrossed wire. The reasons are

1. Wire wrap–This is suspected when the MB wire is seen retracting back while pushing the SB balloon.

2. Poor support.

3. Extreme angulation.

4. Incorrect SB wire positioning.

Advancement into the SB can be facilitated by

1. Use of the lowest profile balloon (0.8 mm and 1.25 mm).

2. The anchoring balloon technique with inflation of a balloon to nominal pressure in the distal stented MB, which will improve catheter support and allow crossing of the balloon into the SB.

3. Re-POT at higher pressure or with a larger balloon to increase strut size at SB.

4. Rewiring the MB to correct wire wrap, which is sometimes required.

• V) Final kissing ballooning (FKB)38

For kiss, short NC balloon to be used for SB with minimal overlap and MV balloon (Fig. 9). Importantly, for POT and kiss, balloon should not be pushed if there is resistance. If there is significant resistance, then see where wire wrap occurred; if not, then better to recross the SB more distally. In case of proximal crossing of the stent strut at carina into SB, then wire may go underneath the SB stent and enter into the proximal SB. This causes the distortion of the SB stent and uncovered stent at the ostium, more so if it is a dilated balloon. Angiographically it may look good, but OCT will demonstrate this deformity, which requires another stent to the SB with internal crushing. OCT is advisable whenever there is problem in crossing the balloon after SB wiring, in order to know the position of the wire and also to direct the wire to the proper position.

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Fig. 9 Steps in FKB (POT and DOT). Abbreviations: DOT, distal optimization; FKB, final kissing ballooning; POT, proximal optimization.

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Fig. 9 Steps in FKB (POT and DOT). Abbreviations: DOT, distal optimization; FKB, final kissing ballooning; POT, proximal optimization.

In general, final KBD for bifurcation lesion is required, but its routine use in provisional stenting is not proved (Table 2). The concern in this KBD is the MV stent deformation produced by SB dilatation is not perfectly corrected by the KBD. The results of the KBD depend on how it was performed. Ideally, SB has to be dilated with short NC balloon. NC is recommended to prevent the dissection of the nonstented SB segment and short balloon, to prevent the oval distortion of MV stent. Inflation in the SB with simultaneous deflation of both balloons is important to avoid distortion of the MV stent.

Footnotes: COBIS = Korean Coronary Bifurcation Stenting; CORPAL Kiss = Cordoba & Las Palmas Kiss; KBI = kissing balloon inflation; MACE = major adverse cardiac event(s); NS = nonsignificant; SMART-STRATEGY = Smart Angioplasty Research team-Optimal STRATEGY for Side Branch Intervention in Coronary Bifurcation Lesions; TVR = target vessel revascularization.

Modified KBI approach–This method is proposed by Foin et al.38 Proximal stent deformation occurs when long balloon is used in MV in KBI. To decrease this deformation, first SB is dilated to 12 atm, then decreased to 4 atm, followed by simultaneous inflation of both balloons to 12 atm. This type of inflation showed no deformation of proximal stent, no malapposition of stent struts, and less SB ostial stenosis.

In COBIS I trail, the KBD caused more event rates related to MV stent, but in COBIS II trail, the same KBD showed less event rate. The difference is due to the size of the SB. In COBIS I, SB size was ≥ 2 mm whereas in COBIS II, the SB size was ≥ 2.3 mm.39 40 So, bigger the SB size, the more long-term good results KBD gives. According to SMART-STRATEGY trail, non-LMCA lesions in SB is < TIMI 3 flow or LMCA lesions if SB has > 70% stenosis then KSB is required. But KSB does not improve the long-term event rate; moreover, it was associated with increase in periprocedural MI. Even FFR-guided treatment to SB has not shown improved long-term results.41

• VI) POT-SIDE-POT (RE-POT)

As already mentioned, bench testing showed that KSB does not expand the deformed MV stent by SB dilatation. So, re-POT to get final good circular expansion of the MV stent. For this, position of the re-POT balloon is important, which is different from POT. The distal end of the balloon should be in the proximal to the carina, covering the proximal edge of the stent carina and should not cover the carina, as it again causes the SB plaque shift.42 In Fig. 10, we showed a case of left circumflex artery (LCX)–obtuse margin artery (OM) bifurcation management with single-stent strategy.

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Fig. 10 LCX–OM bifurcation lesion. (a) Both LCX and OM were wired. (b) Stent deployed in the main vessel (LCX). (c) POT with short balloon. (d) Stent strut opening with short NC balloon covering ostium of the SB (OM). (e) Final result with TIMI 3 flow in the SB. Abbreviations: LCX, left circumflex artery; NC., noncompliant; OM, obtuse marginal artery; POT, proximal optimization; SB, side branch; TIMI; thrombolysis in myocardial infarction.

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Fig. 10 LCX–OM bifurcation lesion. (a) Both LCX and OM were wired. (b) Stent deployed in the main vessel (LCX). (c) POT with short balloon. (d) Stent strut opening with short NC balloon covering ostium of the SB (OM). (e) Final result with TIMI 3 flow in the SB. Abbreviations: LCX, left circumflex artery; NC., noncompliant; OM, obtuse marginal artery; POT, proximal optimization; SB, side branch; TIMI; thrombolysis in myocardial infarction.

• VII) Indication of SB stenting in the provisional approach

As such, provisional stenting is the choice of treatment for bifurcation lesion.43 There are no clear-cut guidelines for SB stenting in provisional stenting.

• A. Indications to SB stenting

  • a) Residual ≥75% stenosis.

  • b) SB FFR ≤0.80.

  • c) TIMI flow grade < 3 in SB.

  • d) Plaque shift into the SB.44

  • e) Clinical symptoms.

  • f) When future access toward the SB may be important.

  • g) SBs that can cause ≥10% ischemia

  • h) Fractional myocardial mass (FFM)–Myocardial mass supplied by a specific vessel. This is calculated from vessel length in CT. FMM was computed using stem and crown model based on allometric system.45 Only one out of every five non-LM SB supplies %FMM ≥10%

There is a scoring system to calculate whether the SB ischemia is significant other than the FFR and CT scan. SNuH score46 depends on the size (S) (vessel diameter ≥ 2.5 mm), Number (Nu) (number of diagonal branches ≤ 2) and highest (H) (No branch below the target branch).47 For each variable, one point was given. In modified SNUH (Table 3), If total score is 0, then − 1 is not added. The lowest total score is 0.

Indication of SB stenting in NORDIC48 trail was very conservative (only in TIMI 0 flow) versus more aggressive in SIRIUS bifurcation49 (residual stenosis ≥50%). CACTUS study50 suggested to stent the SB if residual stenosis ≥50% or type B dissection, whereas in SMART-STRATEGY trail, it differs (non-LMCA lesions in SB is < TIMI 3 flow or in LMCA lesions, if SB has > 70% stenosis). There is no long-term difference in conservative versus aggressive stenting strategies, but periprocedural MI was more in aggressive stenting strategies. Even EBC TWO51 trails showed same results even when SB size is ≥2.5 mm. Current EBS recommends, depending on experts consensus, to stent the SB when there is calcium and lesion length of SB is ≥5 mm. EBC MAIN52 trail involves head-to-head comparison of one- versus two-tent strategy in LMCA bifurcation, not in non-LMCA bifurcation lesion. In conclusion, till now non-LMCA bifurcation favors one-stent strategy.

• B. Provisional SB stenting techniques

  1. T-stent technique–No stent protrusion into the MV stent. So, there is risk of incomplete coverage of ostium of SB.

  2. T and protrusion (TAP)–SB stent projects 1 to 2 mm into MV stent. SB stent and MV balloon are inflated simultaneously. TAP covers the SB ostium completely.

  3. Other techniques are the reverse, internal crush or the provisional Culotte.

• VIII) Alternatives for SB lesion management–drug-coated balloon (DCB) for SB

DCB to SB has gained more importance as the one-stent strategy became the best modality of the treatment for bifurcation lesions. In addition, DCB delivers the drug at ostium of SB, and there is less distortion of the carina and stent deformation, so it may require shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The available balloons are Dior II (Eurocor), Sequent please (B Braun), In.Pact Falon (Medtronic-Invatec), Pantera Lux (Biotronics), Danubio (Minivasys), RESTORE DEB (cardionovum) and MOXY (Lutonix). The PEPCAD-BIF,53 BABILON54 and DEBIUT55 studies on the usage of drug-eluting balloons (DEB) for bifurcation could not conclusively demonstrate superiority of DEB over stent; in addition, target vessel failure (TVF) was more with DEB with suboptimal angiographic results even at the time of PCI. So, conclusion from these studies was DCB in the setting of bifurcations require further evaluation.

B). TWO -STENT STRATEGY

Even though one-stent strategy is a well-accepted modality for bifurcation lesion, there are some situations where, from the beginning, the plan is to use two-stent strategies.56 Such indications are true bifurcation lesions with

1. > 70 degrees of the bifurcation angle.

2. Long SB lesions (≥ 10 mm).

Different Techniques in Two Stent Strategies

1. Classic T-stent and modified T-stent technique–After dilatation of MB and SB, SB stent to be deployed with (classical T-stent) or without protrusion (modified T-stent) and low-pressure dilatation of MV. After assessing the good result of SB, the wire of the SB is removed, and MB stent is deployed. Final kissing inflation (FKI) or side-main-side (SMS) inflation to be done after rewiring the SB though stent struts. The drawback of classical T-stent is chance of ostium of SB uncoverage and excess metal in proximal MB in modified T-stent technique. This technique is ideal for bifurcation of 90 degree. InFig. 11, a case of left anterior descending artery (LAD)–D1 bifurcation lesion management by modified T-stent technique was demonstrated.

2. Tap technique–This technique is typically used in provisional stent strategy but can be used in two-stent strategy also. The main problem with this technique is sometimes it is difficult to cross the SB through MV stent, resulting in suboptimal result of SB.

3. Culotte stent technique (CUT)–There are two distinct Culotte techniques. The Culotte can be done as a part of the provisional strategy, or in the second strategy, the stent is deployed from proximal MV to SB to prevent the SB occlusion.

   In this, more angulated branch is stented, extending from the MV. Then wire is crossed though the stent to the MV and stented. FKI or SMS is done finally (Fig. 12). The advantage of the technique is complete lesion coverage, and it is better to do the procedure with open cell technology. The major disadvantage is double-layered stent in the proximal MV, which limits the maximal achievable diameter. To get better results, Culotte requires three times POT and one-time kiss. This technique should not be performed when there is lot discrepancy of the vessel sizes, as this causes malapposition of the stent in the proximal MB. The incidence of periprocedural MI and stent restenosis are less than crush technique.

4. Mini-crush and step-crush techniques–In mini-crush technique, after wiring both MV and SB, two stents are advanced. The stent in MV to be placed proximally and there is minimal protrusion of SB stent into MV. First, SB stent is to be deployed, then both wire and SB stent balloon to be removed after checking the result of SB. Then, MV stent is to be deployed, crushing the SB stent. Then, SB has to rewired and high-pressure dilatation is done, followed by FKI. This method also ensures good coverage of the ostium of SB and requires only SB recrossing instead of both branches in Culotte.

   In step-crush or reverse crush technique, the SB stent is crushed with balloon first and then there is MV stent deployment. So, 6F guide is sufficient for this. Some operators do KBI before MV stent deployment. The advantage in this procedure is SB has to be rewired through the crushed two-stent struts of SB and after first KBI. SB now looks like a new sleeve, giving the name “sleeve” technique or “double kiss step-crush.”

5. V-stent AND SKS Techniques–In both the techniques, two stents are deployed simultaneously. In V-stent, there is minimal protrusion of the stents, whereas in simultaneous kissing stent (SKS), there is significant stent protrusion (≥ 5 mm). This is useful for Medina 0,1,1 bifurcation lesion. But the problem is malapposition in the proximal MB. In both techniques, both stents are deployed at low pressure (6–8 atmospheres), then separate high pressure inflation (14–16 atmospheres) of both stent balloons, followed again by simultaneous low-pressure inflation of both stent balloons. If subsequently intervention is needed for proximal MB, then crush technique is required.

6. Double kissing crush and modified double kissing crush technique–First, SB stent will be deployed with minimal protrusion into the MV. After crushing the protruded SB stent by MV balloon, recrossing of SB and balloon dilatation with first KBD is done. After removing the balloon and wire from the SB, deployment of MV stent, POT, recrossing of SB, final KBD, and re-POT is done. In this method, the recrossing of the SB happens from the proximal stent struts instead of distal most stent struts of the carina, as in provisional SB stenting. To have better results with DK crush, two POT and two kisses are optimal.

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Fig. 11 Two-stent strategy–modified T-stent technique. (a) LAD–D1 bifurcation lesion. (b) After parking both LAD and D1 stent, first, D1 stent is deployed with minimal protrusion. (c) Then, LAD stent is deployed, crushing the DI minimally protruded stent struts. (d) POT. (e) Rewiring of SB and FKB dilatation. Abbreviations: FKB, final kissing ballooning; LAD, left anterior descending; POT, proximal optimization; SB, side branch.

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Fig. 11 Two-stent strategy–modified T-stent technique. (a) LAD–D1 bifurcation lesion. (b) After parking both LAD and D1 stent, first, D1 stent is deployed with minimal protrusion. (c) Then, LAD stent is deployed, crushing the DI minimally protruded stent struts. (d) POT. (e) Rewiring of SB and FKB dilatation. Abbreviations: FKB, final kissing ballooning; LAD, left anterior descending; POT, proximal optimization; SB, side branch.

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Fig. 12 Steps in Culotte technique.

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Fig. 12 Steps in Culotte technique.

The major difference between provisional and double crush is how the SB is recrossed. In provisional crush, recrossing the SB is done through the distal stent struts at carina, whereas in double crush, it is done through proximal stent struts.57

The superiority of double crush over the classical crush are

• First, KBI facilitates second KBI, as there is only one stent strut to cross and less distortion at the ostium of SB.

• According to DK-CRUSH I, II, and III studies, the success rate is more with double crush with good access for repeat intervention if required.58

• It is not to be affected by the angle, but stent fractures may play a role in the occurrence of SB ostial restenosis

Modified double kissing crush–The first kiss after crushing is replaced by balloon dilation of the SB through the crushed MB stent.

Preferred Stent Strategy

Although it is always difficult to determine which two-stent technique is the best for a given bifurcation lesion, the following guidelines can be used:

1. For Medina 0,1,1 lesions–V-stent technique.

2. For true bifurcation lesions with a bifurcation angle approximately 90 degrees–modified T-stent technique.

3. For true bifurcation lesions with a bifurcation angle < 70 degrees–mini-crush technique.

In BBK II59 trail, Culotte was better than T-stenting, whereas in NORDIC Stent Technique study,60 both Culotte and crush technique results were same. In DK-CRUSH III trail,61 Culotte was inferior to double kissing crush technique. At present, minimal protrusion of SB stent and minicrash is practiced more. Ultimately, the choice remains with whatever technique the operator is familiar with and achieve good expansion of both MV and SB stent.57

Comparative Studies of One- Versus Two-Stent Strategies

In Table 4, major studies done with one- or two-stent strategies were mentioned, and majority of them showed no difference in MACE except BBC-ONE study. Previously SB restenosis after intervention might have been dependent on the type of stenting strategy, but with better newer generation of DES, the situation is different32. In Nordic and other studies, the SB restenosis was dependent on severity of SB stenosis before intervention. If basal SB stenosis was > 50%, then chances of restenosis was 11 to 19% versus basal SB stenosis was < 50%, then chances of restenosis was 4.6 to 5%.62

Dedicated Bifurcation Stents

Dedicated bifurcation stents were designed mainly to access the SB without recrossing. There are currently four dedicated stents commercially available worldwide: The BIOSS stent (Bifurcation Optimization Stent System, Balton, Warsaw, Poland- studied in POLBOS 3 study), the Stentys device (STENTYS, Princeton, New Jersey), the Axxess stent (Biosensors International, Singapore), and the Tryton stent (Tryton Medical, Durham, North Carolina).63 But these stents have not shown superiority over the provisional stenting.

Bifurcation Stenting with Bioabsorbable Scaffolds

There are limitations of BRS usage in bifurcation stents, mainly because of increased strut thickness.64 Thicker struts of BVS poses challenges for deliverability along with greater chances of SB occlusion. It is better to go in for provisional stenting than two-stent strategy with BVS.

Indications of Imaging

• a) Angiographic ambiguity–in bifurcation lesions, nearly 50% of cases were other vessel lesions that were detected with imaging.

• b) Most left mains.

• c) Significant calcium–requires plaque modification before stenting.

• d) Procedural guidance/complications.

• e) Stent failure.

1. IVUS is useful before and after PCI in bifurcation lesions (Fig. 13).

   Before PCI–

   • Assess plaque distribution and appropriately characterize the lesion (“IVUS Medina”).

   • Evaluate the extent of SB disease (especially for ostial lesions).

   • Appropriately size the vessel diameters of the MB and SB.

   • Recognition of the IVUS “eyebrow” sign (spiky appearance): a presenting marker for SB compromise.

   After PCI–

   • SB compromise.

   • Stent deformation of the MB.

   • Plaque shift in the MB or SB.

   • Proximal or distal edge dissection.

   • Stent mal-apposition.

   • Stent under expansion.

   • Stent lesion coverage including gaps.

2. FFR indications in bifurcation lesion are

   • To find out the functional significance of SB ostial disease.

   • To assess the functional significance of SB pinching after MB stenting.

     Limitation of FFR–A Medina “FFR index” has also been considered, although this is not feasible as FFR can only be used to analyze two vessels and not three segments.64

3. OCT is useful for evaluating lumen diameter, stent apposition and expansion, and lesion coverage.

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Fig. 13 Flow chart to determine the type of PCI depending on IVUS and FFR. Abbreviations: FFR, fractional flow reserve; IVUS, intravascular ultrasound; PCI, percutaneous coronary intervention.

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Fig. 13 Flow chart to determine the type of PCI depending on IVUS and FFR. Abbreviations: FFR, fractional flow reserve; IVUS, intravascular ultrasound; PCI, percutaneous coronary intervention.

During Procedure

1. SB dissection.

2. Failure of SB wiring or ballooning.

3. Failure to do final KBD.

4. Suboptimal result of MV at carina of ostium of SB.

5. Stent distortion.

6. All general complications of PCI like bleeding from the access site (more in bifurcation as bigger sheath size is required), etc.

Early and/or Late

1. Stent thrombosis.

2. MV stent restenosis.

3. SB restenosis–This can be predicted by OCT imaging and fluid dynamics. If WSS is < 0.5 Pa, then risk of restenosis is there. Pathological findings showed that there was more neointimal thickness at lateral wall than flow divider, whereas fibrin deposition and uncovered struts were more common at flow divider.