Predilation in Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: Must We Adhere to Einstein’s Reductionism?

Percutaneous treatment of complex coronary bifurcation lesions is a constant challenge for the interventionist. Bifurcation lesions are frequent, representing 15% to 20% of all percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Their treatment is associated with lower procedural success and a higher incidence of periprocedural myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis, as well as a higher procedure cost compared with the treatment of lesions not located in bifurcations. Initially, our knowledge was very sparse regarding the techniques and steps that are required to successfully perform PCI in coronary bifurcation lesions.