T-stenting and small protrusion (TAP stenting) in coronary bifurcations

T-stenting and small protrusion technique (TAP-Stenting) is used to enhance side branch ostial coverage. It is an intentional protrusion of side branch stent within the main branch during coronary bifurcation stenting which ensures side branch ostial coverage and facilitates final kissing balloon inflation [Burzotta et al Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions. 2007; 70:75–82]. This technique has been introduced because the conventional T-stenting method is associated with the risk of incomplete side branch ostial coverage, especially when the angle between the main branch and the side branch is acute. The position of the side branch stent is
adjusted to fully cover the proximal (or upper) part of the side branch ostium. This causes a small protrusion of side branch stent in the lower part of the ostium. This is leveled off by the final kissing inflation.