Which features define a low-risk bifurcation lesion?

• A. Pre-branch stenosis, post-branch stenosis, and branches not involved with the lesion
• B. Branches affected by main vessel stenosis and side branches with ostial lesions
• C. Ostial lesions themselves
• D. Calcified lesions

Answer: (A)

Low-risk bifurcation lesions are those where the blockage sits on the main vessel before and after the bifurcation, while the side branches themselves are free of disease. This pattern means you can treat with a straightforward intervention in the main vessel without risking compromise of a side branch or needing complex bifurcation techniques. When a lesion extends into side-branch ostia or involves ostial disease, the procedure becomes more technically demanding and carries higher risk, often requiring special strategies to protect the side branch. Calcified lesions add another layer of difficulty and risk, regardless of location. So the description of main-vessel stenosis both before and after the bifurcation with branches not involved best fits a low-risk bifurcation scenario.