Objectives
Several studies have demonstrated Drug-Eluting Stent implantation for in unprotected left main stenosis appears safe with regard to acute and midterm complications and is more effective in preventing restenosis compared Bare Metal Stent implantation. To evaluate the acute and long-term outcomes for unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) bifurcation lesions in the drug eluting stent era.
Methods
Between September 2003 and February 2005, 51 consecutive patients with unprotected LMCA bifurcation stenosis and normal left ventricular function were included in this study(mean age, 59 ± 12 years; 70% male; 72% with unstable angina). Cross-over stenting was used in 39(76%) of cases and final kissing balloon inflation was performed in 20(53%) of cases. V-stenting were 8(16%) and crushing technique were 4(8%) of cases. All-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), target-lesion revascularization (TLR), and the combined major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rates at one year were computed. At follow-up study, quantitative coronary angiography and motorized intravascular ultrasound analyses were performed in 42(82.3%) patients.
Results
Primary success was obtained in 51(100%) patients. There were no major access site complication, no emergency coronary artery bypass grafting operation. The death of in hospital outcome was 1(2%) of cases and late outcome was 1(2%) of cases. Revascularization was 4(8%) in late outcome and coronary bypass was 1(2%) in late outcome as well. At one year follow-up, total MACE rate was 14% (target vessel revascularization, 8%; CABG, 2%; death, 4%).
Conclusions.
In the drug eluting stent era, stenting for unprotected LMCA disease may be performed with a high procedureal success rate and a favorable. These results suggest that drug eluting stenting of the bifurcational LMCA can be performed safely where the anatomy is suitable.
|