Advances in the management of coronary chronic total occlusions

J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2014 Jun;7(4):426-36. doi: 10.1007/s12265-014-9556-6. Epub 2014 Mar 15.

Abstract

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) have been called "the last frontier" of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to traditionally low success rates and high risk for restenosis and re-occlusion. Recent advances in equipment and crossing techniques have significantly increased CTO PCI success rates while maintaining low risk of complications. Specifically, the retrograde approach and controlled antegrade dissection and re-entry in conjunction with advanced guidewires and microcatheters have significantly improved procedural success rates. Moreover, the introduction of the "hybrid" approach has created a unified framework for operators to approach CTOs in a systematic and efficient fashion. Finally, drug-eluting stents, especially second generation, have improved long-term patency after CTO PCI.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Coronary Occlusion / diagnosis
  • Coronary Occlusion / physiopathology
  • Coronary Occlusion / therapy*
  • Coronary Vessels / physiopathology*
  • Drug-Eluting Stents
  • Humans
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention* / adverse effects
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention* / instrumentation
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Patency