Bifurcation Stenting: The Next Generation
This article was originally published in Start Up
Executive Summary
The proper course of action for treating lesions at bifurcations remains controversial. In the face of numerous small studies with conflicting results and in the absence of large-scale studies investigating whether--or how--to stent the side branch of a bifurcation, cardiologists are searching for solutions. It's all very confusing, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear. Drug-eluting stents, which work so well in straight segments of vessels, aren't working in bifurcated vessels because bifurcations are distinct segments of anatomy, with particular shapes and unique flow characteristics. Start-ups have picked up on the fact that there is a $1 billion interventional cardiology market just waiting to be served with the right technology, and almost a dozen young companies have crowded into the field.
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