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Abstract Background Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) carries risk of complications and should be attempted when the anticipated benefits exceed the potential risks. The primary indication for CTO–PCI is symptom improvement. However, the impact of CTO–PCI on angina and subsequent incidence of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rate remains controversial. Our aim was to study the impact of technically successful elective CTO–PCI on the procedural success rate and short-term MACE. The current study was a prospective cohort study that included a total of 80 patients who were referred to our center (Ain Shams University Hospitals) for elective CTO–PCI and underwent technically successful CTO–PCI. Data were collected on patient arrival to our department, and then, the patients were observed during hospital admission to record any In-Hospital MACE. These patients were then followed up for 6 months to record improvement or worsening of their symptoms and to assess occurrence of any MACE including hospitalization and undergoing symptom-driven coronary angiography. Results The mean age of our patients was 56 ± 9.6 years, and 73 patients (91%) were men. Sixty-two patients (77.5%) were done via an antegrade approach, and 18 patients (22.5%) were done via a retrograde approach with an overall procedural success rate of 91.25% (antegrade 93.5%, retrograde 83.3%). The overall mean procedure time was 102 min, the mean contrast volume used was 371 ml, and the mean cumulative air kerma dose was 7.2 Gy. The retrograde group required longer procedure times, larger volumes of contrast and higher exposure to radiation. The overall in-hospital MACE was 8.75%. Sixty-five patients in our study (81.25%) showed an improvement in the grade of their exertional dyspnea or angina within the 6-month follow-up period. Thirteen patients in our study (16.25%) needed re-hospitalization within a 6-month period after PCI. The overall target lesion revascularization rate at 6 months was 8.75%. Conclusions Technically successful CTO PCI in a well-equipped center with highly qualified CTO operators resulted in high procedural success rates and low incidence of short-term MACE.

The percutaneous management of chronic total occlusions (CTO) is a well-established sub-specialty of Interventional Cardiology, requiring specialist equipment, training, and techniques. The heterogeneity of approaches in CTO has led to the generation of multiple algorithms to guide operators in their management. The evidence base for management of CTOs has suffered from inconsistent descriptive and quantitative terminology in defining the nature of lesions and techniques utilised, as well as seemingly contradictory data about improvement in ventricular function, symptoms of angina, and mortality from large-scale registries and randomised controlled trials. Through this review, we explore the history of CTO management and its supporting evidence in detail, with an outline of limitations of CTO-percutaneous coronary intervention and a look at the future of this growing field within cardiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) carries risk of complications and should be attempted when the anticipated benefits exceed the potential risks. The primary indication for CTO–PCI is symptom improvement. However, the impact of CTO–PCI on angina and subsequent incidence of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rate remains controversial. Our aim was to study the impact of technically successful elective CTO–PCI on the procedural success rate and short-term MACE. The current study was a prospective cohort study that included a total of 80 patients who were referred to our center (Ain Shams University Hospitals) for elective CTO–PCI and underwent technically successful CTO–PCI. Data were collected on patient arrival to our department, and then, the patients were observed during hospital admission to record any In-Hospital MACE. These patients were then followed up for 6 months to record improvement or worsening of their symptoms and to assess occurrence of any MACE including hospitalization and undergoing symptom-driven coronary angiography. Results: The mean age of our patients was 56 ± 9.6 years, and 73 patients (91%) were men. Sixty-two patients (77.5%) were done via an antegrade approach, and 18 patients (22.5%) were done via a retrograde approach with an overall procedural success rate of 91.25% (antegrade 93.5%, retrograde 83.3%). The overall mean procedure time was 102 min, the mean contrast volume used was 371 ml, and the mean cumulative air kerma dose was 7.2 Gy. The retrograde group required longer procedure times, larger volumes of contrast and higher exposure to radiation. The overall in-hospital MACE was 8.75%. Sixty-five patients in our study (81.25%) showed an improvement in the grade of their exertional dyspnea or angina within the 6-month follow-up period. Thirteen patients in our study (16.25%) needed re-hospitalization within a 6-month period after PCI. The overall target lesion revascularization rate at 6 months was 8.75%. Conclusions: Technically successful CTO PCI in a well-equipped center with highly qualified CTO operators resulted in high procedural success rates and low incidence of short-term MACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To compare long-term angina pectoris relief of successful versus failed percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions (CTO PCI). Background. Previous studies demonstrate better short-term angina pectoris relief of CTO PCI than with optimal medical treatment (OMT), however, data on the long-term effects are lacking. Methods. 295 patients undergoing CTO PCI were analyzed retrospectively, with a follow-up evaluation of symptoms of angina pectoris and all-cause death one to four years after the intervention. The primary outcome was long-term relief of symptoms of angina pectoris. Secondary outcomes included a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and later target vessel revascularization (TVR). At follow-up, patients were interviewed for symptoms of angina pectoris at 1, 6, 12, and 22 to 48 months after the intervention. Results. CTO PCI was successful in 225 (76%) patients and failed in 70 (24%) patients. Short-term (six months) relief of angina pectoris was observed in both groups, but only the successful CTO PCI group showed long-term relief. The Kaplan–Meier curves of all-cause death did not differ between the groups (p =.715). The final follow-up was a mean (range) of 37 (25 to 44) months after the intervention in the successful CTO PCI group, and 33 (28 to 48) months in the failed CTO PCI group. Conclusions. Successful CTO PCI is associated with better long-term relief of symptoms of angina pectoris compared to failed CTO PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article deals with the indications for revascularization of chronic total occlusions (CTO) of the coronary arteries. The introduction section briefly summarizes the history and development of CTO PCI. The main content of the paper is divided into three sections: the first one summarizes the current American and European societies of cardiology guidelines on CTO PCI; the second one provides a reflection on the most important aspects of the indication process from the most recent expert consensus; and the third one conveys the author’s personal experience with indicating patients for CTO recanalization. The paper also includes an overview of randomized trials on CTO PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guiding catheter extensions (GCEs) have become indispensable tools in the modern approach to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The support offered during complex PCI of uncrossable, or tortuous lesions is particularly valuable in the setting of chronic total occlusions (CTO), both for conventional anterograde wire escalation and for anterograde or retrograde dissection and re-entry techniques. This EuroCTO consensus document describes the use of GCE during CTO recanalization and provides a practical guide to anatomies and techniques in which these devices are applicable. We describe the peculiar features of the most-used device and the practical technique for GCE delivery in standard PCI; further specific indications for antegrade and retrograde CTO PCI are discussed in a specific section. In the antegrade approach, the GCEs may be useful to increase support or facilitate antegrade dissection and re-entry techniques, while in the retrograde approach for reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde tracking, to increase retrograde support for gear delivery, for treatment of CTO in bifurcation and ipsilateral externalization with a single guide catheter. The last section of the paper describes GCE-related complications, challenges, limitations, and future perspectives. [Display omitted] • GCEs have become indispensable tools in the modern approach to PCI and for CTO PCI. • GCEs in CTO PCI can be used to increase support for both antegrade and retrograde approaches, facilitating the delivery of wires, microcatheters, and balloons. • The use of GCE is helpful also in antegrade or retrograde dissection and re-entry techniques, such as reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking to achieve wire connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the aging society, the issue of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) has become a challenge for invasive cardiologists. Despite the lack of clear indications in European and American guidelines, the rates of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for CTO increased over the last years. Well-conducted randomized clinical trials (RCT) and large observational studies brought significant and substantial progress in many CTO blind spots. However, the results regarding the rationale behind revascularization and the long-term benefit of CTO are inconclusive. Knowing the uncertainties regarding PCI CTO, our work sought to sum up and provide a comprehensive review of the latest evidence on percutaneous recanalization of coronary artery chronic total occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary chronic total occlusion lesions (CTOs) confer an increased risk of arrhythmic events among patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) carriers, however the impact of CTO recanalization in this population remains unassessed.Aims: Evaluate the impact of CTOs percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) on arrhythmic events.Methods: Patients with ICM and ICD from the VACTO I-II registries: patients with medically treated CTO (CTO-OMT group) and without CTO (no-CTO group) were compared after inverse-probability-weighting adjustment (IPWT) with a similar population of consecutive patients undergoing CTO-PCI. The primary endpoint was appropriate ICD therapy. The secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality.Results: The total of 622 patients (mean age 67 ± 10 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 36 ± 11%) included in the analysis was composed by: CTO-PCI patients n = 113, CTO-OMT patients n = 286, no-CTO patients n = 223. In the CTO-PCI group, compared to the CTO-OMT group, 5-year Kaplan Meier estimates for appropriate ICD therapy (20.4% vs. 56.4%, IPW-adjusted HR: 0.45, 95% CI 0.29-0.71) and mortality (8.8% vs. 23%, IPW-adjusted HR: 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.85) were lower, driven by infarct related artery CTO (IRA-CTO) PCI, while similar to those occurring in the no-CTO group.Conclusions: In this large population, those with CTO receiving PCI had lower arrhythmic event rates and lower mortality compared to the CTO-OMT group, while showing an event rate similar to no-CTO patients. Sensitivity analyses suggest that the beneficial effect on the arrhythmic outcome was driven by IRA-CTO revascularization.Classification: Chronic total occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are limited contemporary data on the impact of success vs. failure on the outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis of contemporary studies that compared the outcomes in patients who underwent successful vs. failed contemporary (2010 onwards) CTO PCI. We performed a sensitivity analysis limited to studies that started enrollment after the publication of the hybrid algorithm in 2012. Results: We included five studies with a total of 6,084 patients (successful CTO PCI n = 4,861, failed CTO PCI n = 1,223). During a median follow-up time of 12 months (range 6–60 months), successful CTO PCI was associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events [OR: 0.61, 95% CI (0.41, 0.92), p = 0.02, I2 = 63%] and all-cause death [OR: 0.57, 95% CI (0.33, 0.99), p = 0.05, I2 = 60%]. Both groups had similar risk of myocardial infarction (MI) [OR 0.69, 95% CI (0.43, 1.10), p = 0.38, I2 = 80%], target vessel revascularization (TVR) [OR: 0.56, 95% CI (0.25, 1.27), p = 0.17, I2 = 80%], and stroke [OR: 0.52, 95% CI (0.14, 1.91), p = 0.33, I2 = 0%]. Conclusion: In contemporary practice, successful CTO PCI was associated with a lower incidence of MACE driven by lower all-cause mortality compared with failed CTO PCI at a median follow-up of 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency coronary artery bypass surgery (eCABG) is a serious complication of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI). We examined the incidence and outcomes eCABG among 14,512 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2023 in a large multicenter registry. The incidence of eCABG was 0.12% (n = 17). Mean age was 68 ± 6 years and 69% of the patients were men. The most common reason for eCABG was coronary perforation (70.6%). eCABG patients had larger target vessel diameter (3.36 ± 0.50 vs. 2.90 ± 0.52; p = 0.003), were more likely to have moderate/severe calcification (85.7% vs. 45.8%; p = 0.006), side branch at the proximal cap (91.7% vs. 55.4%; p = 0.025), and balloon undilatable lesions (50% vs. 7.4%; p = 0.001) and to have undergone retrograde crossing (64.7% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.006). eCABG cases had lower technical (35.3% vs. 86.7%; p < 0.001) and procedural (35.3% vs. 86.7%; p < 0.001) success and higher in-hospital mortality (35.3% vs. 0.4%; p < 0.001), coronary perforation (70.6% vs. 4.6%; p < 0.001), pericardiocentesis (47.1% vs. 0.8%; p < 0.001), and major bleeding (11.8% vs. 0.5%; p < 0.001). The incidence of eCABG after CTO PCI was 0.12% and associated with high in-hospital mortality (35%). Coronary perforation was the most common reason for eCABG. • Emergency coronary artery bypass surgery (eCABG) is a serious complication of CTO PCI. • The incidence of eCABG after CTO PCI was 0.12% and associated with high in-hospital mortality in a large multi-center CTO PCI registry. • Coronary perforation was the most common reason for eCABG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The case report presents two views on the concept of “triple combination” in treating a particular patient with coronary artery disease. The first, somewhat untraditional meaning of the two-word expression is used to describe an unusual case of three chronic total occlusions (CTO) in three different coronary territories clinically manifested by heart failure in the setting of ischaemic cardiomyopathy. All the occlusions were gradually recanalized using CTO PCI techniques with a good angiographic and clinical effect. There was a marked improvement in the original systolic left ventricular dysfunction. The individual procedures are illustrated by images and accompanied by general information on CTO PCI. A second meaning of the words “triple combination” – in a more traditional pharmacotherapeutic sense – represents a fixed combination of three antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs which were used in the same patient to optimize the secondary preventive therapeutic regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performing atherectomy in the subintimal space remains controversial. We describe a case of successful ostial right coronary artery CTO recanalization using rotational atherectomy in subintimal space. • In balloon-uncrossable ostial CTOs, RA is a reasonable bail-out strategy for subintimal calcium modification. • The authors recommend using high-speed (180,000 rpm) with very short runs and mainly in straight segments. • Benefits should be weighed against risks of perforation/dissection when making the decision to proceed with this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the most frequent non-surgical procedures performed worldwide. As any invasive procedure, PCI is accompanied by a low but still important risk of complications. One such very rare complication is when the angioplasty balloon cannot be deflated. We present a case of undeflatable balloon during chronic total occlusion PCI and we report a novel technique for balloon retrieval: using the Excimer light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (Laser) coronary atherectomy device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The eSPM technique provides a treatment strategy for resistant stent underexpansion. • e-SPM technique is most helpful with fibrotic or fibrocalcific plaques. • eSPM risks should be weighed against benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although chronic total occlusion (CTO) in non-infarct-related arteries (non-IRAs) negatively affects long-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who are undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the prognostic impact of successful CTO-PCI has not been completely addressed. Among 1855 consecutive patients with AMI who underwent primary PCI, those who were treated for CTO with either PCI or medical therapy were included. We evaluated the association between recanalization of CTO and long-term cardiac mortality. Of the 172 included patients, 88 underwent CTO-PCI, and the procedures were successful in 65 patients. Thus, the successfully recanalized CTO (SR-CTO) group included 65 patients; and the no recanalized CTO (NR-CTO) group, 107 patients. During the follow-up, 72 patients died, and of whom 56 (77.8%) died because of cardiac causes. The cumulative 10-year, 30-day, and 30-day to 10-year incidences of cardiac mortality were lower in the SR-CTO group than in the NR-CTO group (19.0% vs. 51.9% p = 0.004; 4.6% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.05; 15.0% vs. 44.1%, p = 0.003, respectively). After adjusting for confounding factors, the benefits of SR-CTO for the 10-year cardiac mortality remained significant compared with those of NR-CTO (hazard ratio 0.37; 95% confidence interval 0.17–0.75; p = 0.004). In conclusion, patients with SR-CTO in non-IRAs after AMI was associated with reduced long-term cardiac mortality compared with those with NR-CTO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe the performance and outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Michigan. CTO PCI has been associated with reduction in angina, but previous registry analyses showed a higher rate of major adverse cardiac events with this procedure. To study uptake and outcomes of CTO PCI in Michigan, patients enrolled in the BMC2 (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium) registry (2010 to 2017) were evaluated. CTO PCI was defined as intervention in a 100% occluded coronary artery ≥3 months old. Among 210,172 patients enrolled in the registry, 7,389 CTO PCIs (3.5%) were attempted, with 4,614 (58.3%) achieving post-procedural TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) flow grade 3. The proportion of PCIs performed on CTOs increased over the study period (from 2.67% in 2010 to 4.48% in 2017). Thirty of 47 hospitals performed >50 CTO interventions in 2017. Pre-procedural angina class ≤2 was present in one-quarter, and functional assessment for ischemia was performed in 46.6% of patients. Major complications occurred in 245 patients (3.3%) and included death (1.4%), post-procedural stroke (0.4%), cardiac tamponade (0.5%), and urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (1.3%). Procedural success improved modestly from 44.5% in 2010 to 54.9% in 2017 (p for trend < 0.001). Rates of in-hospital mortality (p for trend = 0.247) and major adverse cardiac event (p for trend = 0.859) for CTO PCI remained unchanged over the study period. The rate of CTO PCI in Michigan increased over the study period. Although the success rate of CTO PCI has increased modestly in contemporary practice, it remained far below the >80% reported by select high-volume CTO operators. The rate of periprocedural major adverse cardiac events or death remained unchanged over time. These data suggest room for improvement in the selection and functional assessment of CTO lesions before subjecting patients to the increased procedural risk associated with CTO PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PCI for chronic total occlusion (CTO) of coronary arteries is one of the most dynamically developing fields in interventional cardiology. The issue itself involves some controversy. These are very complex procedures which, on the one hand, can significantly improve the quality of life of many patients, but on the other hand, are burdened by a higher risk of periprocedural complications compared to common non-CTO PCI. The fact that, even in our conditions, dedicated CTO programmes with increasing numbers of these procedures were set up at some centres implies that it is a current issue. The review article presents an abridged version of a state-of-the-art document developed by world-renowned experts in the subject of CTO. The basic principles of a successful and safe CTO PCI programme are divided into seven general principles, ranging from indications to planning of procedures and their technical aspects to minimizing the risk of developing and/or possibly managing complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The Evaluating Xience and left ventricular function in PCI on occlusiOns afteR STEMI (EXPLORE) trial did not show a significant benefit of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the concurrent chronic total occlusion (CTO) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients on global left ventricular (LV) systolic function. However a possible treatment effect will be most pronounced in the CTO territory. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of CTO PCI compared to no-CTO PCI on the recovery of regional LV function, particularly in the CTO territory. Methods Using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) we studied 180 of the 302 EXPLORE patients with serial CMR (baseline and 4 months follow-up). Segmental wall thickening (SWT) was quantified on cine images by an independent core laboratory. Dysfunctional segments were defined as SWT

Background: Over the past three decades, accumulating evidence has documented that pre-existing welldeveloped CCC at the onset of acute myocardial infarction plays an important role in preserving left ventricular function, reducing infarct size, preventing left ventricular aneurysm formation, and survival. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of collateral circulation as measured by Rentrop score on left ventricular regional and global systolic function in patients with totally occluded vessel pre and post PCI and the ensuing impact of successful PCI. Methodology: Sixty patients have single vessel coronary chronic total occlusion with viable myocardium of CTO related territories, successful revascularization at ERMED and ICS, between June 2017 and December 2018, were considered to participate in this prospective study, The study subjects were divided into three groups according to Rentrop score, each group contain 20 patients : Group (I) Rentrop score 0, Group (II) Rentrop score 1 and Group (III) Rentrop score 2. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups regarding the incidence of diabetes, smoking and hypertension. There was high statistically significant difference in EF between each group after revascularization, EF was higher in group (III) than group (I) and group (II). There was statistically significant difference in WMSI comparison between each group after revascularization WMSI was lower in group (III) than group (I) and group (II). Conclusion: In general increase Rentrop score before revascularization lead to more improvement in WMSI and EF after successful revascularization with improvement of quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) has been a rapidly evolving branch of interventional cardiology in recent years. The article presents our two-year experience with the development of a dedicated CTO programme, while focusing on stratification of CTO difficulty depending on the J-CTO scoring system and the role of the proctor in the learning curve. Material and methods: The study cohort comprised consecutive patients who underwent PCI for CTO at our centre during the period from 08/2016 to 10/2018. The following aspects were studied: the basic patient characteristics and technical aspects of the procedure; the estimated difficulty depending on the J-CTO score; the proportions of various recanalization techniques; whether or not a proctor was present during the procedure; and the rates of complications. Procedures with a J-CTO score ≥ 2 were graded as difficult in consistency with the authors of the scoring system. Results: The overall success rate of CTO PCI in the follow-up period was 84.4 %. The mean fluorocopic time per procedure was 30:17 minutes, the irradiation dose 2 660 mGy, and contrast medium consumption 262 ml. In successful procedures, the final strategy that resulted in CTO recanalization was antegrade wire escalation in 65.6 %, retrograde dissection-reentry technique in 11.1 %, and retrograde wire escalation in 6.7 %. In one case, we succeeded with antegrade dissection-reentry technique. While the success rate of CTO PCI for J-CTO scores of 0-1 reached 94.9%, in difficult cases (J-CTO ≥ 2) the success rate was only 76.5%. Proctored procedures versus unproctored ones had a higher mean J-CTO score (2.3 vs. 1.7), a higher proportion of difficult findings with a J-CTO ≥ 2 (66.7 % vs. 52.4 %), a higher percentage of retrograde procedures (55.6 % vs. 19.1 %), and a higher success rate was achieved with them (92.6 % vs. 81.0 %). Clinically severe complications occurred in 4.5%, and there was no periprocedural death or tamponade. Conclusion: The present cohort represents the first two years of the CTO PCI learning curve showing that, when certain rules are followed, it is possible to master the CTO PCI techniques and introduce them into normal operation of a catheterization room as an effective and safe treatment method for patients with a specific, and not rare, type of coronary disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of variety of chronic total occlusion (CTO) hardware and the ability to use them represents the key to success of any CTO interventions. However, the multiplicity of CTO hardware and their physical character and the terminology used by experts create confusion in the mind of an average interventional cardiologist, particularly a beginner in this field. This knowledge is available but is scattered. We aim to classify and compare the currently used devices based on their properties focusing on how physical character of each device can be utilized in a specific situation, thus clarifying and simplifying the technical discourse.

Progression of coronary arteries after transcatheter aortic valve replacement is an important issue. Coronary revascularization in these patients can be challenging because of potential hindrance posed by the artificial valve structure in getting access to the coronary ostium. This gets even more difficult in chronic total occlusions (CTOs) that represent the most complex subset of coronary lesions. We report the first case of coronary CTO revascularization in a patient who underwent TAVR a few months prior and discuss the complexities involved in intervening such lesions.

Introduction: Chronic total coronary occlusions (CTOs) have been associated with a higher prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias compared to patients without a CTO. We evaluated the effect of CTO revascularization on electrocardiographic (ECG) variables.Methods: We studied a selection of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients with a concomitant CTO enrolled in the EXPLORE trial. ECG variables and cardiac function were analysed at baseline and at 4 months follow-up.Results: Patients were randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of their CTO (n = 77) or to no-CTO PCI (n = 81). At follow-up, median QT dispersion was significantly lower in the CTO PCI group compared to the no-CTO PCI group (46 ms [33-58] vs. 54 ms [37-68], P = 0.043). No independent association was observed between ECG variables and cardiac function.Conclusion: Revascularization of a CTO after STEMI significantly shortened QT dispersion at 4 months follow-up. These findings support the hypothesis that CTO revascularization reduces the pro-arrhythmic substrate in CTO patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observational studies suggest that in patients with a CTO successful recanalization is associated with better clinical outcome. This could be related to a reduction in the occurrence of arrhythmias, which may result from modifications of the hibernating myocardium in a CTO region.Methods and Results: We aimed to evaluate the effect of CTO PCI on electrophysiological parameters, and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched. Titles and abstracts identified by the search strategy were independently screened by two investigators. Data were extracted and used for meta-analyses where possible. In total, eight studies incorporating 467 patients were included in this review, evaluating the effect of successful CTO PCI on various ECG parameters. Three studies showed a significant decrease in mean QT dispersion of 17.46ms [95% CI 10.62-24.30] after successful CTO PCI. QTc dispersion also decreased significantly, with a mean decrease of 18.74ms [95% CI 11.53-25.94]. In one trial a significant decrease in Tp-e interval in leads V2 and V5, and a significant decrease in Tp-e/QT ratio in leads V2 and V5 post-CTO PCI were observed.Conclusions: This first systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that successful CTO PCI is associated with an immediate decrease in ECG parameters that reflect heterogeneity in depolarization and repolarization, which could lead to a reduction in the risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We raise the hypothesis that hibernating myocardium in a CTO region may not be as deeply "in sleep" as one would assume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the clinical and procedural coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) treatment results in a Nordic PCI centre during the implementation of a CTO treatment program.Design: In a retrospective registry study, we assessed; (1) indication for the procedure, (2) Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina pectoris score (CCS)/New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart failure score, (3) lesion complexity and (4) adverse events during hospital stay and three months following the index procedure.Results: The study cohort included 503 patients (594 lesions). From 2010 to 2013 96% of procedures were performed with antegrade wire-escalation technique and 4% performed using retrograde techniques, from 2013-2016 the corresponding numbers were 83% and 17.0%. The procedural success rate was 69%, increasing from 64% before to 72% (p = .06) after routinely using the retrograde approach. No individual patient characteristic, lesion variable or score was strongly associated with procedural success or failure. There were 4% serious procedure related complications. In patients with PCI of a CTO lesion only, 87% were in CCS or NYHA functional class ≥2 before the index procedure vs. 22% at follow-up.Conclusions: Routine use of retrograde techniques tended to increase the procedural success rate. Clinical results after three months were acceptable, but the complication rate was higher than for non-CTO PCI. Individual patient and lesion characteristics had a low predictability for procedural success. Therefore, clinical symptoms, objective signs of myocardial ischemia and procedural risk should be focus points in coronary chronic total occlusion treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Evaluating Xience and left ventricular function in PCI on occlusiOns afteR STEMI (EXPLORE) trial did not show a significant benefit of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the concurrent chronic total occlusion (CTO) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients on global left ventricular (LV) systolic function. However a possible treatment effect will be most pronounced in the CTO territory. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of CTO PCI compared to no-CTO PCI on the recovery of regional LV function, particularly in the CTO territory. Methods: Using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) we studied 180 of the 302 EXPLORE patients with serial CMR (baseline and 4 months follow-up). Segmental wall thickening (SWT) was quantified on cine images by an independent core laboratory. Dysfunctional segments were defined as SWT < 45%. Dysfunctional segments were further analyzed by viability (transmural extent of infarction (TEI) ≤50%.). All outcomes were stratified for randomization treatment. Results: In the dysfunctional segments in the CTO territory recovery of SWT was better after CTO PCI compared to no-CTO PCI (ΔSWT 17 ± 27% vs 11 ± 23%, p = 0.03). This recovery was most pronounced in the dysfunctional but viable segments(TEI < 50%) (ΔSWT 17 ± 27% vs 11 ± 22%, p = 0.02). Furthermore in the CTO territory, recovery of SWT was significantly better in the dysfunctional segments in patients with Rentrop grade 2-3 collaterals compared to grade 0-1 collaterals to the CTO (16 ± 26% versus 11 ± 24%, p = 0.04). Conclusion: CTO PCI compared with no-CTO PCI is associated with a greater recovery of regional systolic function in the CTO territory, especially in the dysfunctional but viable segments. Further research is needed to evaluate the use of CMR in selecting post-STEMI patients for CTO PCI and the effect of regional LV function recovery on clinical outcome. Trial registration: Trialregister.nl NTR1108, Date registered NTR: 30-okt-2007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) remains one of the major challenges in interventional cardiology. A number of factors, including both patient clinical conditions and technical procedural considerations, have been identified to affect percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) success and long-term outcomes, in large multicenter cohorts as well as smaller patient groups. As opposed to patient-centered factors, technical factors can be managed and as a result, a lot of research aims at improving stent technology and imaging guidance, toward enhancing PCI efficiency, in regards to patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actually, the further development of surgical and interventional techniques enables the treatment of complex coronary artery disease of severely ill patients. Due to this development there is a growing spectrumof possible indications for the interventional technique. Since SYNTAX trial, the individual risk stratification and discussion of possible strategies in interdisciplinar meetings is of utmost importance again. Risk stratification should contain patients history, as well as objective findings like extent of coronary artery disease, left ventricular function, pathological stress tests and patients comorbidities. Today, controversial indications up until a short time ago were possible indications for interventional techniques like demonstrated in recent trials and registries. The most discussed controversial indications were interventions at multivessel-disease with drug-eluting stents (DES), left-main stem and chronic total occlusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the long-term outcome of Percutaneous transluminal intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO). The subjects were 606 patients (1,145 lesions) who were treated for CTO between January 1996 and December 2003 at our institution. Among them, 436 patients with early success and confirmed patency at the CTO by follow-up coronary angiography after 6 months were classified as the patent group (Group P), while 170 patients without early success or with occlusion on follow-up angiography were classified as the occluded group (Group O). In April 2006 (mean: 660 ± 602 days), the outcome of CTO was investigated and the major adverse cardiac events (MACE)-free rate was calculated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify determinants of death. The early success rate was 76.4% before 2003 when Conquest guidewires were not available. However, it subsequently showed significant improvement to 89%. The cumulative survival rate was significantly higher for Group P (92%) than for Group O (64%) and the MACE-free rate (free from, death, bypass surgery, myocardial infarction, and revascularization) showed a similar trend. The cumulative survival rate of patients without myocardial viability in the territory of the vessel with CTO was significantly higher for Group P (88%) than for Group O (55%). The outcome was significantly worse for patients with occlusion of other vessels (90%) than for patients without additional occlusion (42%). It was significantly better when the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was ≥40% than when the LVEF was ≤40% (90 vs. 68%). Multivariate analysis identified occluded CTO, other vessel occlusion, low ejection fraction (EF), unimproved EF, and old age as determinants of death from CTO. If early success is obtained and patency is maintained, the long-term outcome after PCI for CTO is significantly better than when failure occurs Occluded CTO, other vessel occlusion, low EF, unimproved EF, and old age are important determinants of the outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectivesWe sought to investigate the success rate and the acute and 12-month clinical outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) in the contemporary era.: BackgroundThe technique of PCI involving CTO has improved over time. However, limited data on acute and follow-up results in patients treated with PCI on CTO in recent years are available.: MethodsFour hundred nineteen consecutive patients scheduled for PCI of CTO of ≥30 days of duration were enrolled in 29 centers; 390 CTOs were confirmed in 376 patients in an independent core laboratory. The end points were technical and procedural success, in-hospital and 12-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurrence, and 12-month symptomatic status.: ResultsTechnical and procedural success was obtained in 77.2% and 73.3% of lesions, respectively. In-hospital major adverse cardiac events occurred in 5.1% of patients. Multivariate analysis identified CTO length >15 mm or not measurable, moderate to severe calcifications, duration ≥180 days, and multivessel disease as significant predictors of PCI failure. At 12 months, patients with a successful procedure experienced a lower incidence of cardiac deaths or myocardial infarction (1.05% vs. 7.23%, p = 0.005), a reduced need for coronary artery bypass surgery (2.45% vs. 15.7%, p < 0.0001), and were more frequently free of angina (88.7% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.008) compared with patients who had an unsuccessful procedure.: ConclusionsSuccessful PCI was achieved in a high percentage of CTOs with a low incidence of complications. At one-year follow-up, patients with successful PCI of a CTO had a significantly better clinical outcome than those whose PCI was unsuccessful. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivesWe sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transmyocardial revascularization (PTMR) in patients with refractory angina caused by one or more chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of a native coronary artery.: BackgroundPrevious unblinded, randomized trials of PTMR in patients with end-stage coronary artery disease and refractory angina have demonstrated significant relief of angina and increased exercise duration. Whether such benefits would be realized in blinded patients with less extensive coronary artery disease is unknown.: MethodsA total of 141 consecutive patients with class III or IV angina caused by one or more chronically occluded native coronary arteries in which a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) had failed were prospectively randomized, at 17 medical centers, in the same procedure, to PTMR plus maximal medical therapy (MMT) (n = 71) or MMT only (n = 70). Blinding was achieved through heavy sedation, dark goggles and the concurrent performance of PCI in all patients.: ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. A median number of 20 laser channels were created in patients randomized to PTMR. At six months, the anginal class improved by two or more classes in 49% of patients assigned to PTMR and in 37% of those assigned to MMT (p = 0.33). The median increase in exercise duration from baseline to six months was 64 s with PTMR versus 52 s with MMT (p = 0.73). There were no differences in the six-month rates of death (8.6% vs. 8.8%), myocardial infarction (4.3% vs. 2.9%) or any revascularization (4.3% vs. 5.9%) in the PTMR and MMT groups, respectively (p = NS for all).: ConclusionsIn patients with class III or IV angina caused by nonrecanalizable CTOs, the performance of PTMR does not result in a greater reduction in angina, improvement in exercise duration or survival free of adverse cardiac events, as compared with MMT only. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]