Drug-eluting stent implantation in coronary trifurcation lesions

Shinichi Furuichi1, Giuseppe M Sangiorgi, Altin Palloshi

  • 1San Raffaele Scientific Institute and EMO Centro Cuore Columbus, Milan, Italy.

Insights

Drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in complex trifurcation lesions shows promising mid-term results. This study found no deaths, heart attacks, or stent clots, indicating safety in treating these challenging coronary artery blockages.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Trifurcation lesions represent complex coronary anatomy.
  • Limited data exists on the outcomes of drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in these lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the mid-term clinical and angiographic outcomes of DES implantation in patients with de novo trifurcation lesions.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 15 patients with trifurcation lesions treated with DES were analyzed.
  • In-hospital and follow-up data were collected, focusing on major adverse cardiac events (MACE).
  • MACE included cardiac death, Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target vessel revascularization (TVR).

Main Results:

  • The majority of trifurcation lesions (86.7%) were located in the distal left main coronary artery (LMCA).
  • The mean follow-up was 19.0 months.
  • Target lesion revascularization (TLR) occurred in 20% of patients, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) in 40%.
  • No cardiac deaths, Q-wave MIs, or stent thromboses were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Trifurcation lesions frequently occur in the distal LMCA.
  • DES implantation in trifurcation lesions is associated with a low incidence of major adverse cardiac events, including death, MI, and stent thrombosis.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...