Fate of side branches after intracoronary implantation of the Gianturco-Roubin Flex-Stent for acute or threatened closure after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Side branch occlusion may occur in the course of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), particularly if complicated by site dissection. Concern that the additional placement of a stent may further jeopardize side branches is logical. Consequently, this study analyzed pre-PTCA, post-PTCA, poststent, and 6-month follow-up angiograms of 100 consecutive patients in whom 103 Gianturco-Roubin stents were implanted for acute or threatened closure after PTCA. Side branches were defined as major (>50% of the stented vessel diameter) and minor (