TABLE 2

Key elements of technique with the Absorb scaffold

Properly choose the lesion
  • Definitely ≥ 2.5–3.75 mm in diameter (if in doubt, check intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography)

  • No excessive tortuosity or calcium proximal

Prepare the lesion by 1:1 predilation and confirm < 40% diameter residual stenosis
Post-dilate with 1:1 noncompliant balloon at ≥ 14 atmospheres
Pay attention to expansion limits
  • Oversizing the scaffold by a balloon > 0.5 mm the scaffold diameter risks strut fracture

Prescribe dual antiplatelet therapy