In the Szabo technique, what is the purpose of anchoring the wire under the strut of an uninflated balloon?

• A. To anchor and guide the stent across the ostial lesion
• B. To inflate the balloon
• C. To measure pressure gradient
• D. To anchor the stent within the aorta

Answer: (A)

The Szabo technique uses an extra guidewire that is threaded through a stent strut and positioned with an uninflated balloon to create a fixed reference point at the ostium. Anchoring the wire under the strut provides a mechanical stop that keeps the stent from drifting as it is delivered, allowing the proximal edge of the stent to sit precisely at the ostial lesion and protect the side-branch ostium. This method is specifically for accurate placement at the ostium, not for inflating a balloon, measuring gradients, or anchoring in the aorta.