A new proposed simplified classification of coronary artery bifurcation lesions and bifurcation interventional techniques

• Published in: The Journal of invasive cardiology Vol. 18; no. 5; p. 199
• Main Authors: Movahed, Mohammad-Reza, Stinis, Curtiss T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-05-2006
• Subjects: Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Coronary Disease - classification; Coronary Disease - therapy; Humans; Stents; Terminology as Topic
• ISSN: 1557-2501

Current classification systems of coronary bifurcation lesions are confusing and difficult to memorize. As coronary revascularization techniques become increasingly complex, it is important to establish a universal classification system. This manuscript proposes a simplified classification system that uses a combination of letters and numbers to provide a clinically relevant anatomic description of a given coronary artery bifurcation lesion. This classification consists of the prefix B (for Bifurcation lesion), followed by the addition of 4 separate suffixes. The first suffix consists of one of the letters C, N, S, or L. C = Close to the bifurcation: the lesion is close to a bifurcation, but the distance from the carina is more than the width of the plaque protruding into the lumen; N = Bifurcation lesion with one branch being Nonsignificant: nonsignificant being defined as less than 2.0 mm vessel diameter; S = Small proximal segment; or L = Large proximal segment: large defined as more than two-thirds of the sum of the diameters of both branch vessels. The second suffix describes the number of diseased ostia. 1M = only the Main vessel ostium is involved; 1S = only the Side branch ostium is involved; or 2 = both ostia are involved. The third suffix classifies the angle between the bifurcation vessels and uses the letters V or T; V = the angle between the two branches is less than 70 degrees, T = angle more than 70 degrees. The fourth suffixes are optional: CA for calcified, LM for left main involvement.