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Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Automatic Identification of Dendritic Branches and their Orientation
Published on: September 17, 2021
[How to solve difficult side branch access: case report and literature review]
Sara Jourani1, Matthieu Perier1, Hakim Benamer1
1Hôpital Foch Suresnes, France.
Insights
This case report details managing a complex coronary artery bifurcation lesion. It highlights techniques to restore blood flow after percutaneous coronary intervention complications.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Complex coronary artery bifurcation lesions pose significant challenges in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
- Accurate lesion assessment is crucial for procedural planning and success.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old patient with hypertension and dyslipidemia presented with effort-induced angina due to a complex LAD-Diagonal bifurcation lesion (MEDINA 1-1-1).
- Initial PCI using the TAP technique resulted in loss of side branch flow and ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
- Successful restoration of flow was achieved using a rescue jailed balloon and specialized guidewire for side branch re-access.
Findings:
- The case illustrates common pitfalls in complex bifurcation PCI, including side branch compromise.
- The rescue jailed balloon technique and specific guidewires (e.g., Gaia First®) can effectively manage side branch access issues.
- Successful recanalization and flow restoration were achieved, resolving the acute complication.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of advanced techniques and troubleshooting skills in complex bifurcation PCI.
- It provides valuable insights for interventional cardiologists facing similar challenging cases.
- Adopting these strategies can improve outcomes and reduce complications in bifurcation interventions.
Abstract:
We present the case of a 53-year-old patient with history of hypertension and dyslipidemia, admitted for effort-induced angina. Coronary angiography revealed two-vessel disease with severe stenosis of the LAD- Diagonal bifurcation (MEDINA 1-1-1). This lesion was considered complex regarding the severe stenosis of the bifurcation core, the angulation <45°, and the severity and length of the diagonal lesion. The procedure was planned according to a TAP technique. The flow in the diagonal was however lost after stenting the main vessel causing an ST elevation with chest pain. It was subsequently recovered using the rescue jailed balloon technique before re-crossing the stent struts of the LAD using a Gaia First® (Asahi) guidewire. The aim of this case report is to illustrate some pitfalls that can be encountered in bifurcation percutaneous interventions and to present technical solutions to solve difficult side branch access issues through a literature review.
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