Optimal Stent Expansion by Stent Balloon Multiple Inflation at Nominal Pressure in Resistant Lesions: A New Technique

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four-time inflation of the stent balloon at nominal pressure on optimal stent expansion in resistant lesions. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 39 patients with coronary artery lesions, in whom Zotarolimus-eluting stents (N=20), Paclitaxel-eluting stents (N=11) and other stents (N=8) were deployed four times at nominal inflation pressure and increased inflation times (5, 15, 30 and 45 seconds). After the deployments, enhanced stent visualization imaging technique (IC stent) was used to assess stent placement and artery expansion. Results: In this study, early success rate was estimated at 79.5% using the enhanced stent visualization imaging technique. In addition, major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was determined at 2.6%. Also, conventional methods resulted in lower success rate and higher MACE in resistant lesions. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, four-time stent balloon inflation at nominal pressure could allow adequate stent expansion in resistant lesions leading to lower MACE.