Coronary bifurcation model created using a novel directional heat injury catheter

The present study aimed to develop a swine coronary bifurcation model.

In human coronary bifurcation lesion, atherosclerotic plaques are usually observed in the lateral wall, whereas the flow divider regions are spared. There is currently no suitable coronary bifurcation animal model, on which a new stent can be tested.

We developed a novel directional heat injury catheter, which comprised of a non-compliant balloon catheter (diameter: 3.0mm, length: 15mm), and two electrode cables, that were attached to either side of the balloon catheter. The technique was performed on 4 healthy pigs, and assessed in 7 lesions. We inflated the balloon at the main bifurcation branch, following which a high frequency generator was used to transmit heat to the opposite side of the electrode, towards the bifurcation carina (duration: 5min, frequency: 2 times). We performed a post-angiography 28days after the pre-angiography, to observe the distribution of neointima. The neointimal area was divided into the carina side and the opposite side of carina, and the 2 sides were compared.

The neointimal area at the opposite side of the carina was significantly larger than the carina side (1.51±0.40mm² vs. 0.95±0.27mm², p<0.0001). The percentage of area of stenosis on the opposite side of carina was also higher than that on the carina side (55.4±7.0% vs. 34.9±4.2%, p<0.0001).

We successfully developed a novel swine coronary bifurcation model using directional heat injury catheter.