Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acute and chronic results of directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) using the Flexi-Cut atherectomy catheter to treat a left anterior descending artery (LAD) proximal lesion and the device's effect on the ostium of the left circumflex (LCx) immediately and during the postprocedure follow-up period.
Methods: From June 2001 to October 2004, 74 lesions were treated by DCA alone for LAD proximal lesions. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed pre-, post-DCA and during the follow-up period for the treated site and the LCx ostium.
Results: The angiographic restenosis rate was 12.2%. The target lesion revascularization rate was 9.5%. After the procedure and during follow up, there was no evidence of LCx stenosis (% DS > 50%) caused by DCA.
Conclusions: This study suggests that DCA for LAD proximal lesions is a feasible strategy and does not affect the LCx ostium.