Short- and long-term outcomes of compromised side branches after Multi-Link stent implantation.

The Multi-Link stent is superior to other stents in terms of low rates of restenosis and target vessel revascularization. However, few data exist regarding short- and long-term outcomes for side branches after stenting. We evaluated short and long clinical outcomes and angiographic predictors of side-branch occlusion after the deployment of 137 Multi-Link stents. Thirty-four (25%) of the 137 side branches occluded immediately after stenting. We attempted reangioplasty for the side branches and our success rate was 85%. The incidence of side branches with intrinsic ostial disease was more than 50% before stenting and origination from the stented midsegment was a powerful angiographic predictor of side-branch occlusion. Side-branch patency is well maintained long-term. The incidence of restenosis within and near the stented segment of the parent vessel was 19%, and the incidence of target vessel revascularization was 15%. We recommend the use of Multi-Link stents regardless of the presence of side branches in the vicinity of the stenosis.