Left Main Rotablation: Case Series From a Tertiary Care Centre in North India

Abstract

Background: Calcified left main (LM) disease is an important subset of coronary artery disease, associated with a high risk and procedural complexity. Advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are making it a viable alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients aged ≥18 years who underwent rotational atherectomy (RA)-assisted PCI of LM disease at a tertiary-care centre in North India from August 2018 to May 2023. PCIs also involved use of intravascular ultrasound and adjuvant plaque-modifying therapies, such as cutting balloons, and intravascular lithotripsy, as indicated. Procedural details and clinical outcomes were analysed. Results: The study included 55 consecutive patients. A total of 52 patients (94.5%) were men, and the mean age was 64.7 ± 9.0 years. The mean follow-up was 16.3 ± 11.2 months. The mean ejection fraction was 52.7 ± 8.2%. On angiography, the mean SYNTAX score was 34.9 ± 7.7, and true bifurcation lesions (Medina class 1,1,1 or 1,1,0) were present in 22 patients (40%). Adjuvant plaque modification therapy included a cutting balloon in 25 patients (45.5%), and intravascular lithotripsy in nine (16.4%). Intravascular ultrasound guidance was used in 46 patients (83.6%). Supported PCI was performed in six cases (10.9%). Angiographic success was achieved in 100% of the patients. One patient (1.8%) died in hospital due to an upper gastrointestinal bleed. On follow-up, one patient died (1.8%), and target vessel revascularisation was needed for three patients (5.5%). Conclusion: Rotational atherectomy-assisted PCI for calcific LM disease can be performed safely, with judicious use of intravascular ultrasound and adjunct plaque modification therapies, providing satisfying short- to medium-term outcomes.