Interventional Applications for an Ostial Protection Guidewire—The WALPO Technique

Coronary atherosclerotic lesions at the ostium and proximal coronary arteries pose significant challenges in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), especially in the left main coronary artery (LMCA). Guide catheter-induced damage can lead to severe complications such as vessel dissection or myocardial infarction. Ostial stent placement with drug-eluting stents offers mechanical support and reduces restenosis but is technically challenging due to the anatomical complexity of the ostium. Complications like longitudinal stent deformation and hydraulic dissection from contrast media are specific concerns. The aortic free-floating wire technique, expanded in this article to Wire in Aorta for Localization and Protection of the Ostium (WALPO), provides a method for safely locating and protecting the ostium during PCI, aiming to improve the safety and efficacy of PCI at this location.