Figure 9.

The “independent hand” technique, that allows careful and precise placing of a stent at the side branch ostium with slight protrusion in the main vessel. It is also a useful technique for difficult angioplasty equipment delivery in general. The white arrow on the left shows how the operator’s left fingers are used to hold and, as needed, adjust the guide position. The white arrow on the right shows that the coronary guidewire is held between the 4th and 5th digits of the right hand. The operator’s right index finger and thumb are used to pinch and advance or retract the balloon or microcatheter, while the 3rd and 4th digits of the right hand are used to grasp the circumference of the Tuohy.