Use of microcatheters for side-branch protection during rotational atherectomy.

Abstract

Objectives: Side branch protection during rotational atherectomy is an issue when treating bifurcations, particularly left main one. The authors investigated the effectiveness of side-branch protection with a microcatheter.

Methods: On a simulator we evaluated the behavior of different microcatheters left in place into the side branch during rotational atherectomy.

Results: All microcatheters were variously damaged.

Conclusions: The authors discourage the practice of side-branch protection with a microcatheter, due to distal embolization of non-biological materials.