Systematic isolated post-dilatation of the side branch as part of the provisional stent technique in the percutaneous treatment of coronary bifurcations. CR12 Registry

To analyse systematic isolated post-dilatation of the side branch as a part of provisional stent technique. 1960 angioplasties performed in two centres were prospectively registered, of which 382 were coronary bifurcations with a side branch>2mm. In centre A, isolated post-dilatation of the side branch was performed regardless its impairment after main vessel stenting. In centre B, side branch post-dilatation was performed only if it was severely affected after stent implantation. There was no difference between the two centres in the rate of side branch affection after stent implantation (A: 44.6 vs B: 49.3%, p=0.48) nor in the procedural success rate (A: 98.6% vs B: 96.7%, p=0.45). After one-year follow-up, a reduction of cardiovascular events was observed in centre A (A: 4.4% vs B: 10.4%, p=0.043) with a trend towards lower cardiac mortality (A: 2.2% vs B: 6.5%, p=0.093) and stent thrombosis (A: 0% vs B: 2.6%, p=0.077). There were no differences in the rate of myocardial infarction related to the treated artery (A: 1.4% vs B: 3.9%, p=0.29), or target lesion revascularization (A: 1.4% vs. B: 3.2%, p=0.45). Systematic isolated post-dilatation of the side branch in the provisional stent technique was associated with a high angiographic success rate, and a low rate of cardiovascular events during follow-up. Although the study design does not allow definitive conclusions, this strategy could be considered a valid option in some cases or even as part of the provisional stent technique. •Several options exist on side branch treatment in provisional stent technique.•Systematic post-dilatation of the side branch was associated with a lower MACE rate.•This technique showed a trend towards lower cardiac mortality and stent thrombosis.•It was not associated with greater complications or increasing fluoroscopy time.•This technique could be considered as a part of the provisional stent technique.