The “Y” Stent: A Technique Using Nitinol Stents to Treat Bifurcations

Abstract

In situ creation of a Y-shaped stent using 2 self-expanding nitinol stents is a feasible option with potential advantages in the treatment of obstructive lesions involving a bifurcation.

Y-configuration Stent-assisted Coil Embolization for Wide-necked Intracranial Bifurcation Aneurysms

“…The Y configuration stent-assisted technique was originally used in the peripheral vasculature to treat bifurcations. 26) This technique was applied to treat intracranial aneurysms. Y configuration stent-assisted technique using two open cell-type stents was first performed because open cell-type stents allow for relatively easy passage through the stent cells of the deployed stent.…”

Successful complex bifurcation stenting of a native SFA after failed femoropopliteal bypass grafting

“…One series included five patients treated with a Y‐stenting technique at the internal/external iliac bifurcation. Restenosis occurred in one of the five patients, and was successfully treated with repeat balloon dilation [27]. Stricker and Jacomella reported a series of 27 patients treated with nitinol stents in the common femoral artery, including 7 patients treated at the bifurcation of a common femoral and femoropopliteal bypass graft.…”

“…In the study by Sze et al, the main potential failure mode for Y stenting involves the possibility of size mismatch between the main vessel and the two side branches. This could lead to over dilation in one branch and accelerated intimal hyperplasia [27]. Another theoretical failure mode could arise from the need to place excess stent material in the main branch of a Y stent prior to the bifurcation, which could lead to enhanced intimal hyperplasia.…”