Stenting the unprotected left main coronary artery- mid-term outcomes of the observational registry

New imaging modalities such as IVUS had improved results of Stenting of the unprotected left main coronary artery (UPLM). The results of stenting UPLM without these new modalities but with meticulous care need to be studied more.

This prospective and retrospective study was performed in multiple local centers. The local ethics committee approved the study, and the patients signed informed consent. In addition, the local heart team, including a cardiac surgeon, was consulted for a joint decision agreement. In the last five years, one hundred twenty patients with left main disease >50% were subjected to stenting with drug- eluted stents.All patients were subjected to detailed history taking with particular emphasis on acute coronary syndrome, angina duration, class, previous coronary interventions, and medications. In addition, 12 lead ECGs were revised with an evaluation of ST/T changes and any old infarction. An echocardiographic examination was done on all patients. Relevant laboratory tests were done.Risk assessment was calculated for every patient, including Euro SCORE and Syntax score. Patient selection: Consecutive patients arriving for primary Stenting or acute coronary episode were included. Medications: All patients received clopidogrel and aspirin before the planned procedure. Anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin in a dose of 10000 IU was given at the beginning of the PCI. Post PCI, all patients received B blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, and dual antiplatelets in the guidelines recommended doses. Calcification was assessed by angiographic imaging only. We estimated the vessel diameter as 2/3 diameter of the branches. PCI technique: A steerable guidewire was advanced in LAD, followed by PCI with pre-dilatation or direct Stenting according to the operator’s discretion. One or two stent strategy was utilized according to the situation of the lesions.

92 patients (77.3%) presented with ACS, of which 65 patients (54.6%) had no Previous Intervention, and 27 patients (22.7%) had a previous PCI. Left ventricular ejection fraction significantly correlates with the complication at six months follow-up; all 16 patients with reported complications (100%) had baseline LVEF of <40% (P-value = 0.023).

11 patients (55%) with a high score of more than 32 had adverse events, P = 0.004. Residual syntax shows a less significant correlation with a mean value of 7.3 in the complication group vs. 4.9 in the other group (P = 0.016). Final kissing balloon inflation shows no statistically significant difference.

PCI in UPLM is a safe, feasible option with a high technical success rate and acceptable outcome at follow-up, even without the utilization of IVUS