Structural Damage of Jailed Guidewire During the Treatment of Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: A Microscopic Randomized Trial

The study sought to compare the safety (resistance to damage) and efficacy (ability to cross the side branch) of polymer-coated and non-polymer-coated guidewires in the jailed wire technique used during the percutaneous treatment of bifurcation lesions. The jailed wire technique is a useful strategy in the treatment of bifurcation lesions by provisional stenting. However, these wires can be damaged or even be broken during their removal. We performed a randomized study in patients with bifurcation lesions treated by provisional stenting. The jailed wire technique was mandatory, and the types of guidewires, polymer-coated (n = 115) and non-polymer-coated (n = 120), were randomized. After the procedures, the wires were evaluated by stereoscopic microscopy. The induced damage in the wires was classified as follows: no damage, mild, moderate, or severe. The clinical characteristics were similar between patients treated with polymer-coated or non-polymer-coated wires. Polymer-coated wires were significantly (p Jailed wires during interventional procedures of bifurcation lesions commonly showed microscopic damage. Polymer-coated wires were more resistant to retrieval damage and were more efficient in crossing the side branch ostium than non-polymer-coated wires. (Jailed Wire Technique in the Treatment of Coronary Bifurcations Lesions With Stent: Stereoscopic Microscopy Study; NCT02516891).