title: Temporary stent as a bail-out device during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: preliminary clinical experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a prototype temporary stent (RX Flow Support Catheter, Advanced Cardiovascular Systems) in maintaining coronary perfusion and improving vessel patency in the event of acutely compromised flow complicating percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective clinical study as part of a multicentre trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Regional cardiac centre catheterisation laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients undergoing routine percutaneous transluminal balloon coronary angioplasty in whom coronary artery dissection resulted in impaired coronary artery flow with angina or electrocardiographic ST segment shift, needing bail-out treatment at the time of the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The RX Flow Support Catheter was successfully used and improved coronary flow in all cases, with a reduction in luminal stenosis and resolution of symptoms. The temporary stent was expanded for an average of 85 (range 30-209) minutes. In six patients it was used as a bridge to further treatment (permanent stent in four and coronary artery surgery in two) and two patients did not need further treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The temporary stent was safe and effective in the acute management of coronary dissection. The main advantages are its ease and speed of use, and successful restoration of coronary flow both to the distal artery and to affected side branches pending definitive treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Invasive Cardiology, Royal Brompton National Heart and Lung Hospital, London.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Gibbs
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Sigwart
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Buller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000293:injuries*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015607:Stents