Comparison of DK Crush vs Culotte vs Mini Crush –
Step-by-Step Procedural Table
Step DK Crush Culotte Mini Crush
Initial wiring Wire LAD and LCX Wire LAD and LCX Wire LAD and LCX
Side branch stent Deploy LCX stent with 2–3 mm
protrusion
Deploy first branch stent (usually
more angulated branch)
Deploy LCX stent with minimal
protrusion
Crushing step Yes – crush LCX stent with LAD
balloon
No crushing Yes – crush LCX stent with LAD
stent
First rewiring Required (LCX rewiring after
crush)
Required (rewire unstented
branch)
Usually not required
First kissing balloon Mandatory Usually performed Often skipped or single final kiss
Main branch stent Deploy LAD stent after first kiss Deploy second branch stent
through first stent
Deploy LAD stent crushing LCX
stent
Second rewiring Mandatory (LCX rewiring again) Not always required Rarely required
Final kissing balloon Mandatory Mandatory Recommended but sometimes
omitted
Final POT Mandatory (POT–KISS–rePOT
preferred)
Mandatory Recommended
Number of SB
wirings
3 times 2 times 1–2 times
Technical complexity High Moderate Lower
Restenosis risk Lowest Moderate Higher
Best indication True bifurcation, LM bifurcation True bifurcation with similar
branch size
Less complex bifurcation
