Aims: Data concerning the use of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and midterm clinical outcomes of CTO stenting with BVS.
Methods and results: Forty consecutive patients (male 78%, mean age 59.9±8.3 years, diabetics 30%) with CTO treated with BVS were enrolled. Patients with a reference vessel diameter >4 mm, metallic stents, excessive calcium and tortuosity were excluded. Mean J-CTO score was 1.6. A total of 63 BVS were implanted with an average number of 1.6 per patient, and an average scaffold length of 42.4±21.5 mm. Procedural success was achieved in all patients with no device-related complications. At follow-up (median time 556 days), there were no deaths, one patient experienced subacute and late scaffold thrombosis (ST), and another one developed symptomatic in-scaffold focal restenosis treated with repeat PCI. At control angiography, performed at a median time of 329 days in 27 patients (68%), no more restenosis or vessel reocclusion was found.
Conclusions: CTO stenting with BVS is feasible with good acute performance, and good early and midterm clinical outcomes.