Crosswire™ for recanalization of total occlusive coronary arteries

Coronary angioplasty of total occlusions is technically difficult and is associated with limited success rates. The procedural outcome is mainly determined by the underlying pathological process. Recanalization of total occlusions is aimed at finding the passage with least resistance, without causing dissection or perforation. Several techniques have been advocated to improve the overall success rate. Recently, a new 0.014" Nitinol wire (Crosswire, Terumo) has been introduced as a tool, to achieve higher success rates for total occlusion angioplasty. The wire consists of an extremely flexible Nitinol-core, a platinum/iridium coil at the distal tip, and a hydrophilic polymer coating. Balloon angioplasty was attempted in 30 totally occluded coronary arteries with mean age of occlusion being 5 +/- 4 months (range 2-14 months). The initial five procedures were performed following failure of the conventional angioplasty guidewires. Subsequently, Cross-wire was used electively in all the cases. The lesion was crossed successfully in 90% (27/30) cases. Dissection of the coronary artery with subintimal entry was seen in two (7%) cases, and the rest (three cases) could not be crossed. Balloon angioplasty and stenting (n = 21) were performed with good immediate angiographic results. There were no myocardial infarctions or deaths. Fourteen of 16 patients, who had completed 6 months follow-up, were asymptomatic. Angiographic evidence of in-stent restenosis was demonstrable in one case. Successful recanalization of total coronary occlusions by using Cross-wire can be expected in 83% cases, with reasonable safety.