Beneficial application of quantitative coronary angiography (edge detection algorithm) in analysis of dissected coronary arteries to predict long-term patency

The present study evaluated the application of quantitative coronary angiog raphy (edge detection algorithm) for the analysis of coronary dissection le sions after balloon angioplasty. Acute and late results were obtained by th e edge detection algorithm in 60 patients with 66 dissected lesions (NHLBI types B-C). The edge detection algorithm delineated the border of the true lumen in 32 lesions (group with automated analysis alone, 48.5%) and includ ed the dissection cap in the analysis in 34 lesions in which manual editing was adjuncted (group with manual editing, 51.5%). In both groups, the mini mal lumen diameter after balloon angioplasty obtained by initial automated analysis was correlated to that obtained at the 5.3-month follow-up similar ly (r=0.554, p=0.0010 for the group with automated analysis alone and r=0.6 13, p=0.0001 after automated analysis for the group with manual editing). H owever, additional manual editing reduced the correlation coefficient (r=0. 240, p=0.1707) in the latter group. Thus, in terms of predicting long-term patency, it is reasonable to let the edge detection algorithm decide the me asurements in types B and C dissected lesions.