Differences between the left main and other bifurcations.

The left main is the largest bifurcation of the coronary tree and is, therefore, easier to access. Nevertheless, the risks of untoward consequences associated with the loss of the side branch are much higher. Although the usual technical strategies implemented in coronary bifurcations can generally be applied to left main lesions, several inherent characteristics (the ostial position of the main branch, the size of the side branch, the amount of calcification, the angle which is often in a T shape, the use of stents of variable suitability, the crucial role of POT) need to be taken into account in order to achieve optimal acute and long-term results.