Intravascular ultrasound assessment of culotte stent deployment for the treatment of stenoses at major coronary bifurcations.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism for the disappointing late outcome following stenting of bifurcation lesions is unclear. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate culotte stent deployment and dimensions with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with bifurcation stenoses were treated using two stents in a culotte configuration.

The effect of completeness of revascularization on event-free survival at one year in the ARTS trial.

Objectives: We sought to assess the relationship between completeness of revascularization and adverse events at one year in the ARTS (Arterial Revascularization Therapies Study) trial.

Background: There is uncertainty to what extent degree of completeness of revascularization, using up-to-date techniques, influences medium-term outcome.

Methods: After consensus between surgeon and cardiologist regarding the potential for equivalence in the completeness of revascularization, 1,205 patients with multivessel disease were randomly assigned to either bypass surgery or stent implantation.

Is provisional stenting the effective option? The WIDEST study (Wiktor stent in de novo stenosis). Widest Trial Investigators' Group.

Aim: To compare the immediate and late outcomes of patients treated by a policy of routine stent implantation with routine balloon angioplasty and the use of stents only when an ideal result has not been obtained.

Methods: A nine centre, multinational, randomised study of 300 patients with coronary artery disease thought suitable for treatment of a single lesion by balloon angioplasty or stent implantation. Only new lesions in patients who had not undergone previous bypass surgery were included, and totally occluded vessels were excluded.

Planning for coronary angioplasty: guidelines for training and continuing competence. British Cardiac Society (BCS) and British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) working group on interventional cardiology.

The following recommendations are made: 1 Existing centres undertaking angioplasty should increase their activity, and the target figure of 400 PTCA procedures per million of the United Kingdom population should be achieved by the end of 1996-97, or immediately thereafter. 2 Angioplasty centres should be appropriately equipped to undertake PTCA safely and effectively and provide a reliable emergency service. They should have a minimum of two trained PTCA operators jointly undertaking a minimum of 200 procedures per year at that centre, and have regular meetings to share experience.