plaque shift
Displacement of atherosclerotic material during coronary intervention that can compromise adjacent vessel branches.
Full Definition
Plaque shift refers to the mechanical displacement of atherosclerotic plaque material during balloon angioplasty or stent deployment, potentially causing obstruction of adjacent vessel branches. This phenomenon is particularly concerning in bifurcation lesions where plaque from the main vessel can shift into the side branch opening, causing acute closure or significant stenosis. The risk can be mitigated through techniques such as provisional stenting, protection of side branches with guidewires, or simultaneous balloon inflation in both vessels.
Usage
Usage note: Written as two words without hyphenation. Also known as the 'snow plough effect' in some literature.
In Context
- "Significant plaque shift into the diagonal branch was observed during LAD stent deployment." — Complex PCI procedural note
- "The use of a buddy wire helped prevent plaque shift and maintained side branch patency." — Bifurcation lesion case discussion