OBJECTIVES

This quantitative angiographic and intravascular ultrasound study determined the mechanisms of acute lumen enlargement and recurrent restenosis after rotational atherectomy (RA) with adjunct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in the treatment of diffuse in-stent restenosis (ISR).

BACKGROUND

In-stent restenosis remains a significant clinical problem for which optimal treatment is under debate. Rotational atherectomy has become an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of diffuse ISR based on the concept of “tissue-debulking.”

METHODS

Rotational atherectomy with adjunct angioplasty of ISR was used in 45 patients with diffuse lesions. Quantitative coronary angiographic (QCA) analysis and sequential intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) measurements were performed in all patients. Forty patients (89%) underwent angiographic six-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Rotational atherectomy lead to a decrease in maximal area of stenosis from 80 ± 32% before intervention to 54 ± 21% after RA (p < 0.0001) as a result of a significant decrease in intimal hyperplasia cross-sectional area (CSA). The minimal lumen diameter after RA remained 15 ± 4% smaller than the burr diameter used, indicating acute neointimal recoil. Additional angioplasty led to a further decrease in area of stenosis to 38 ± 12% due to a significant increase in stent CSA. At six-month angiographic follow-up, recurrent restenosis rate was 45%. Lesion and stent length, preinterventional diameter stenosis and amount of acute neointimal recoil were associated with a higher rate of recurrent restenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Rotational atherectomy of ISR leads to acute lumen gain by effective plaque removal. Adjunct angioplasty results in additional lumen gain by further stent expansion and tissue extrusion. Stent and lesion length, severity of ISR and acute neointimal recoil are predictors of recurrent restenosis.