Aims: To analyse systematic isolated post-dilatation of the side branch as a part of provisional stent technique.
Methods: 1960 angioplasties performed in two centres were prospectively registered, of which 382 were coronary bifurcations with a side branch>2mm. In centre A, isolated post-dilatation of the side branch was performed regardless its impairment after main vessel stenting. In centre B, side branch post-dilatation was performed only if it was severely affected after stent implantation.
Results: There was no difference between the two centres in the rate of side branch affection after stent implantation (A: 44.6 vs B: 49.3%, p=0.48) nor in the procedural success rate (A: 98.6% vs B: 96.7%, p=0.45). After one-year follow-up, a reduction of cardiovascular events was observed in centre A (A: 4.4% vs B: 10.4%, p=0.043) with a trend towards lower cardiac mortality (A: 2.2% vs B: 6.5%, p=0.093) and stent thrombosis (A: 0% vs B: 2.6%, p=0.077). There were no differences in the rate of myocardial infarction related to the treated artery (A: 1.4% vs B: 3.9%, p=0.29), or target lesion revascularization (A: 1.4% vs. B: 3.2%, p=0.45).
Conclusions: Systematic isolated post-dilatation of the side branch in the provisional stent technique was associated with a high angiographic success rate, and a low rate of cardiovascular events during follow-up. Although the study design does not allow definitive conclusions, this strategy could be considered a valid option in some cases or even as part of the provisional stent technique.
Keywords: Bifurcation; Post-dilatation; Provisional stent technique; Side branch.
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