Complex bifurcation lesions: Randomized comparison of a fully bioresorbable modified t stenting strategy versus bifurcation reconstruction with a dedicated self‐expanding stent in combination with bioresorbable scaffolds, an OCT study: Rationale and design of the COBRA II trial

Objective There is an ongoing controversy regarding the efficacy and safety of different percutaneous stenting techniques for coronary bifurcation lesions needing >1 stent. The promise of safe vessel restoration with bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) may not be transferable to complex double BRS bifurcation techniques, and permanent metallic scaffolding of the bifurcation core may be needed. We identified modified‐T stenting as the most promising fully bioresorbable 2‐stent strategy in a preclinical setting. The objective of this study is to assess acute performance and compare long‐term vessel healing with this strategy, versus an approach combining BRS with a dedicated metallic drug‐eluting bifurcation stent. Study design In a single center, 60 consecutive patients with true and complex coronary bifurcation lesions will be randomly assigned to treatment with the dedicated self‐expanding Axxess™ biolimus‐eluting bifurcation stent in the proximal main vessel and additional Absorb™ everolimus‐eluting BRS in the branches versus a modified T technique using Absorb™ only. Angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) will be performed immediately after implantation and at 30 months, and clinical follow‐up is foreseen up to 5 years after implantation. The primary endpoint is the change in minimal luminal area assessed with OCT from baseline to 30 months in pre‐specified bifurcation segments. Conclusion To date the use of Absorb™ BRS in complex coronary bifurcations has not been evaluated in a randomized clinical trial setting. The COBRA II study will examine the role and safety of a double BRS strategy in coronary bifurcations, alone or in combination with a metallic dedicated bifurcation device.