Final kissing balloon inflation by classic crush stenting did not improve the clinical outcomes for the treatment of unprotected left main bifurcation lesions: The importance of double-kissing crush technique

Background: The mechanisms contributing to final kissing balloon inflation between classic crush and double-kissing (DK) crush stenting techniques for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions contrast. The authors compared the clinical outcomes in patients with unprotected distal left main bifurcation lesions treated by classic crush or DK crush stenting techniques. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with unprotected left main bifurcation lesions were selected (20 in classic crush, 17 in DK crush groups) from a prospective, multicenter, randomized DKCRUSH-1 BIFURCATION STUDY. Clinical and angiographic data were analyzed. Results: Follow-up was available for all patients. There were significant differences of the bifurcation angle between the classic and the DK crush group (83.28 ± 20.69)0 vs. (67.71 ± 26.35)0, P = 0.02). Unsatisfactory kissing rate in the classic group was significantly higher (26.32% vs. 5.88%, P = 0.01). The acute gain in the side branch was greater in the DK crush stent group (1.48 ± 0.50 mm vs. 1.36 ± 0.55 mm, P = 0.03). The accumulative restenosis rate in the main vessel segments, side branch, and accumulative MACE were higher in the classic group than the DK crush group (13.39% vs. 5.12%, P = 0.058, 42.10% vs. 5.88%, P = 0.01, 42.10% vs. 5.82%, P = 0.001, respectively). By logistic regression, acute gain in side branch immediately after PCI, bifurcation angle and unsatisfactory kissing were three independent factors of TLR at 8-month follow-up. Conclusion: Classic crush stenting with final kissing balloon inflations did not improve the clinical outcomes for the treatment of left main bifurcation lesion when compared with DK crush stenting technique. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.