Introduction and objectives: Percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary bifurcations is usually associated with a low success rate, a high rate of complications, and a more frequent need for target lesion revascularization. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate immediate and medium-term clinical and angiographic outcomes after the application of crush T stenting.
Methods: This approach to bifurcation stenting follows the same steps as modified T stenting. The only difference is that the side branch stent protrudes 3-4 mm into the main vessel from the carina. The aim is to ensure that the circumference of the side branch ostium is covered by the stent strut.
Results: Between December 2003 and February 2005, 82 patients were included in the study. The lesion involved the left main coronary artery in 53% of patients, the left anterior descending or diagonal coronary artery in 29%, the circumflex or marginal branch in 11%, and the right coronary artery or the posterior or posterolateral descending branch in 7%. Angiographic and clinical success was obtained in 100% and 96.4% of cases, respectively. Final dilatation was performed using a kissing balloon in 87%. Overall, 100% of patients were followed up clinically for 12 months and 77% were followed up angiographically for a mean of 8.7 (3.3) months. Target lesion revascularization was performed in 9 patients (10.8%).
Conclusions: Treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions using the crush T stenting technique is safe and effective. It reduces both the restenosis rate and the major adverse cardiac event rate at one year.