Chronic Total Occlusion Lesions Research Articles

Impact of cigarette smoking on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion lesions.

Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the long-term clinical effects of smoking in Asian populations with chronic total occlusion (CTO). This study aimed to assess the effects of smoking on 5-year (median follow-up period, 4.2 ± 1.5 [interquartile range, 4.06-5.0] years) clinical outcomes in patients with CTO lesions who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or medical treatment (MT). We enrolled 681 consecutive patients with CTO who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography and subsequent PCI or MT. The patients were categorized into smokers (n = 304) and nonsmokers (n = 377). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization over a 5-year period. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to adjust for potential baseline confounders. After PSM analysis, two propensity-matched groups (200 pairs, n = 400) were generated, and the baseline characteristics of both groups were balanced. The smokers exhibited a higher cardiovascular risk of MACE (29.5% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.010) and non-TVR (17.5 vs. 10.5%, p = 0.044) than the nonsmokers. In a landmark analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves at 1 year, the smokers had a significantly higher rate of MACE in the early period (up to 1 year) (18.8% and 9.2%, respectively; p = 0.008) compared with the nonsmokers. The Cox hazard regression analysis with propensity score adjustment revealed that smoking was independently associated with an increased risk of MACE. These findings indicate that smoking is a strong cardiovascular risk factor in patients with CTO, regardless of the treatment strategy (PCI or MT). In addition, in the subgroup analysis, the risk of MACE was most prominently elevated in the group of smokers who underwent PCI.

Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment for De Novo Coronary Lesions: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

The outstanding development in contemporary medicine, highlighted by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), was achieved through the adoption of drug-eluting stents (DESs). Although DES is the established therapy for patients undergoing PCI for de novo coronary artery disease (CAD), their drawbacks include restenosis, stent thrombosis, and the requirement for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with an uncertain duration regarding its optimality. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment leaves nothing behind on the vessel wall, providing the benefit of avoiding stent thrombosis and not necessitating obligatory extended DAPT. After optimizing coronary blood flow, DCB treatment delivers an anti-proliferative drug directly coated on a balloon. Although more evidence is needed for the application of DCB treatment in de novo coronary lesions, recent studies suggest the safety and effectiveness of DCB treatment for diverse conditions including small and large vessel diseases, complex lesions like bifurcation lesions or diffuse or multivessel diseases, chronic total occlusion lesions, acute myocardial infarctions, patients at high risk of bleeding, and beyond. Consequently, we will review the current therapeutic choices for managing de novo CAD using DCB and assess the evidence supporting their concurrent application. Additionally, it aims to discuss future important perspectives.

Percutaneous coronary intervention involving coronary bifurcation is associated with higher mortality and complications.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with bifurcation lesions is associated with higher complexity and adverse outcomes. The goal of this study was to evaluate the inpatient outcomes of patients with PCI of bifurcation lesions. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, years 2016-2020, was studied using ICD 10 codes. Patients undergoing PCI for bifurcation lesions were compared to those undergoing PCI for non-bifurcation lesions, excluding chronic total occlusion lesions. We evaluated post-procedural inpatient mortality and complications. PCI in patients with bifurcation lesions was associated with higher mortality and post-procedural complications. A weighted total of 9,795,154 patients underwent PCI; of those, 43,480 had a bifurcation lesion. The bifurcation cohort had a 3.79% mortality rate, and the rate in those with non-bifurcation lesions was 2.56% (OR, 1.50; CI: 1.34-1.68; P<0.001). Upon conducting multivariate analysis, which adjusted for age, sex, race, and significant comorbidities, PCI for bifurcation lesions remained significantly associated with a higher mortality rate compared to non-bifurcation lesion PCI (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.49-1.88; P<0.001). Furthermore, PCI for bifurcation lesions was associated with higher rates of myocardial infarction (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.68-3.06; P<0.001), coronary perforation (OR, 7.97; 95% CI, 6.25-10.17; P<0.001), tamponade (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 2.49-4.82; P<0.001), and procedural bleeding (OR, 5.71; 95% CI, 4.85-6.71; P<0.001). Overall, post-procedural complications were 4 times more in patients with bifurcation lesions than in those without (OR, 4.33; 95% CI, 3.83-4.88; P<0.001). Using a large, national inpatient database, we demonstrate that both mortality rates and post-procedural complication rates were significantly higher in patients undergoing PCI for bifurcation lesions than in those undergoing PCI for non-bifurcation lesions.

Study on mid-term outcomes of atherectomy for patients with femoral popliteal artery lesions with different Global Limb Anatomic Staging System grades.

To investigate the mid-term efficacy and patency rate of TurboHawk peripheral plaque excision system in the treatment of femoral popliteal artery lesions with different Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) grades. The clinical data of 141 patients with femoral popliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans who were treated with TurboHawk from January 2018 to July 2022 in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. There were 109 male patients and 32 female patients. Recordings were made of the patient's symptoms of limb ischemia, technical success rate, primary patency rate of target vessels, ankle brachial index (ABI), GLASS grades, postoperative complications, and a statistical analysis with the patient's preoperative treatment was conducted. All patients had improved limb ischemia symptoms to varying degrees after surgery, with a technical success rate of 100% (femoral artery puncture and superficial femoral artery recanalization) without bleeding, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula or other complications. The follow-up period was 1-24 months, during which the severity of claudication, resting pain, and toe ulcers significantly improved. The primary patency rate of the target vessel was 98.58% (139/141), and the ABI significantly increased on the second day, three months, and six months after surgery compared to before surgery. No major adverse events were found during follow-up. The patency rates at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after intervention were 100%, 80%, 75% and 60% respectively. The mid-term efficacy and patency rate of TurboHawk in the treatment of femoral popliteal artery lesions with GLASS I patients have the best mid-term prognosis, the highest mid-term survival rate, and the highest vascular patency. The plaque removal system has proven to be an effective treatment for individual localized chronic total occlusion lesions. Additionally, the TurboHawk system provides a safe and minimally invasive treatment alternative for superficial femoral artery conditions, achieving significant therapeutic results within a brief period.

Differences between Lower Extremity Arterial Occlusion vs. Stenosis and Predictors of Successful Endovascular Interventions.

Background and Objectives: In patients with peripheral artery disease, there is insufficient understanding of characteristics that predict successful revascularization of the lower extremity (LE) chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and baseline differences in demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics in patients with LE CTO vs. non-CTO. We aim to explore these differences and predictors of successful revascularization among CTO patients. Materials and Methods: Two vascular centers enrolled LE-CTO patients who underwent endovascular revascularization. Data on demographics, clinical, angiographic, and interventional characteristics were collected. LE non-CTO arterial stenosis patients were compared. A total of 256 patients with LE revascularization procedures were studied; among them, 120 had CTOs and 136 had LE stenosis but no CTOs. Results: Aspirin use (Odds ratio, OR: 3.43; CI 1.32-8.88; p = 0.011) was a positive predictor whereas a history of malignancy (OR: 0.27; CI 0.09-0.80; p = 0.018) was a negative predictor of successful crossing in the CTO group. The CTO group had a higher history of myocardial infarction (29.2 vs. 18.3%, p = 0.05), end-stage renal disease (19.2 vs. 9.6%, p = 0.03), and chronic limb-threatening ischemia as the reason for revascularization (64.2 vs. 22.8%, p < 0.001). They were more likely to have advanced TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) stages, multi-vessel revascularization procedures, longer lesions, and urgent treatment. Conclusions: The use of aspirin is a positive predictor whereas a history of malignancy is a negative predictor for successful crossing in CTO lesions. Additionally, LE-CTO patients have a higher incidence of comorbidities, which is expected given their higher disease burden. Successful endovascular re-vascularization can be associated with baseline clinical variables.

A predictors for 10-year mortality and clinical events in patients with chronic coronary total occlusion lesion

Abstract Background Despite advances in cardiovascular intervention techniques and devices, the treatment of patients with chronic coronary total occlusion CTO lesions is challenging yet. We evaluated predictors of 10-year mortality and clinical events in patients with CTO lesions in this study. Methods This study is a single-center, prospective, all-comer registry designed to reflect "real world" practice since 2001. Of a total of 1,672 consecutive patients were diagnosed with CTO lesions by coronary angiogram. The primary endpoints were all-cause death or major adverse cerebral, and cardiac events (MACCE) defined as the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), any coronary revascularization, and stroke up to 10 years. We derived for final results, from survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional regression analysis. Results In this study, males were 1,255 (75.1%), and the mean age was 65.2±10.9. Also, a total of 660 patients had received a successful PCI for CTO lesions at enrollment. A total of 267 patients was heart failure. Ten years of clinical follow, MACCE occurs in 407 cases (56.6%), all-cause death in 152 cases (18.5%), cardiac death in 87 cases (9.9%), myocardial infarction (MI) in 54 cases (7.7%), any revascularization of 251 cases (30.7%), and stroke of 41 cases (6.3%) by Kaplan-Meier analysis. In a multiple Cox-proportional regression analysis, a prior myocardial infarction, reduced LV ejection fraction less than 50%, chronic kidney disease, multi-vessel disease had increased a risk of MACCE and the use of statin, and aspirin had reduced a risk of MACCE. Also, an aging, prior MI, reduced LV ejection fraction less than 40%, and multi-vessel disease had increased a risk of all-cause death and the use of statin, and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, nitrates, statin, and aspirin had reduced a risk of risk of all-cause death. However, PCI for CTO lesions could not reduce both of MACCE and all-cause death. Conclusions The study found that a prior myocardial infarction, reduced LV ejection fraction, chronic kidney disease, and multi-vessel disease were associated with an increased risk of MACCE, while the use of statins and aspirin reduced the risk of MACCE. Furthermore, PCI for CTO lesions did not reduce the incidence of MACCE or all-cause death. These findings highlight the need for further research and development of more effective treatment strategies for patients with CTO lesions.

Revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusions in the elderly: what results? - The insights of a multicentre national registry

Abstract Lately, the remarkable progress in knowledge and treatment of cardiovascular diseases has been significantly impacting society's morbidity and mortality. However, the burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains non-negligible. In addition, as a consequence of demographic changes, age, as a non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, makes it increasingly important to focus on the elderly. Up to one-fifth of patients with CAD have a chronic total occlusion (CTO) of a coronary artery, defined as a lesion with 100% stenosis and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 0 that exists for more than 3 months. There is current evidence that successful CTO-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with clinical benefits. However, elderly patients are currently underrepresented in CTO-PCI randomized controlled trials and registries, and its clinical impact and safety in this group of patients are still debated. This study aims to characterise patients submitted to CTO-PCI and compare the baseline characteristics, coronary intervention features, intraprocedural complications and in-hospital mortality between patients younger and older than 75. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients submitted to a CTO-PCI, included in the Portuguese Registry on Interventional Cardiology between January 2019 and December 2022. Comparison tests between groups for parametric and non-parametric variables were performed. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 353 patients who underwent CTO-PCI were analysed, 271 (76.8%) with 18 to 74 years old (group 1) and 82 (23.2%) with 75 or more years old (group 2). Table 1 shows the most important baseline characteristics, with similar features for both groups except body mass index and smoking habits. Table 2 demonstrates the differences between the groups regarding PCI, with the left main and left anterior descending arteries being more treated among older patients and the right coronary artery in younger patients. Complete coronary revascularization and procedure success rate did not differ significantly between groups (p-value=0.19 and p-value=0.59, respectively). Finally, table 3 presents the main intra-procedural and in-hospital complications, with a significant difference only for occlusion of the side branch, occurring in 2 patients aged over 75 years (p-value=0.01). In conclusion, in our registry, the elderly presents a high success rate in the complete recanalization of CTO lesions, comparable to the group under 75 years of age. However, the presence of side branch occlusion was higher in older patients, without other significant differences in intraprocedural and in-hospital complications, including mortality. Further studies including a large sample and follow-up analysis would be essential to better understand the rate of risks related to PCI-CTO potentially associated with the complexity and comorbidities of the elderly.Table 1Table 2 and 3

Abstract 16108: Impact of Early Intervention on Quality of Life Outcomes in Peripheral Artery Disease Patients With Chronic Total Occlusion Lesions: Results From the PORTRAIT Registry

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with functional impairment, decreased quality of life, and increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions occur in up to 40% of PAD patients and pose a challenge for successful endovascular revascularization. We aim to evaluate the baseline characteristics, presentations, procedural outcomes, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes of CTO lesions in PAD compared to non-CTO lesions and the interaction with invasive therapy. Methods: The PORTRAIT registry is a prospective, multicenter, international study that enrolled patients with new or worsening claudication symptoms and an abnormal resting or post-exercise ankle brachial index. Patients with CTO lesions were compared to those without CTO lesions and divided into those who received early invasive treatment (revascularization within three months of enrollment) or noninvasive treatment with medical management. Quality of life outcomes were evaluated using the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire (PAQ) at baseline and during follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: A total of 581 matched patients were identified, of which 39% had CTOs and 61% did not. Of the patients with CTOs, 31% underwent early invasive treatment and 69% were noninvasively managed. Patients with CTOs were more likely to present with higher Rutherford classification. The PAQ Summary Score was similar at baseline in patients with CTOs compared to those without CTOs. At 12-month follow-up, early invasive treatment resulted in higher PAQ summary scores in the non CTO arm (82.48 ± 22.79 vs. 67.83 ± 27.00, P&lt;0.001). In the CTO arm, while PAQ summary score was higher at 3 and 6 months in the early invasive arm, the difference was not significant at 12 months (76.18 ± 25.16 vs. 70.60 ± 24.24, P=0.14) Conclusions: Patients with CTO lesions present with higher Rutherford classification than their non-CTO counterparts and both have similar PAQ summary scores at presentation. Early invasive treatment for CTO and non-CTO lesions in PAD patients is associated with significant improvements in quality-of-life outcomes.

Abstract 15313: Prognostic Impact of Intravascular Imaging-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Chronic Total Occlusion

Background: Limited data exist regarding use of intravascular image during chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention. Objectives: Current study investigated the prognostic impact of intravascular imaging-guided PCI in CTO lesions. Methods: Study population was derived from the RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI (n=1639) which demonstrated superiority of intravascular imaging-guided PCI than angiography-guided PCI in patients with complex coronary artery lesions. Current prespecified study selected patients who underwent CTO intervention and clinical outcomes were compared between intravascular imaging-guided PCI and angiography-guided PCI groups. Results: Among 1639 patients, 319 patients with CTO underwent intravascular imaging-guided PCI (n=220) or angiography-guided PCI (n=99). At a median follow-up of 2.1 years (interquartile range 1.1-3.0 years), the risk of TVF was significantly lower in intravascular imaging-guided PCI group than in the angiography-guided PCI group (5.0% vs. 13.5%; HR 0.303; 95% CI 0.130-0.710, P=0.006). When patients in imaging-guided PCI group were divided according to stent optimization, both patients with (1.3% vs. 13.5%; HR 0.14; 95% CI 0.02-0.56; P=0.003) and without (6.8% vs. 13.5%; HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.17-0.99; P=0.049) stent optimization had significantly lower risk of TVF than the angiography-guided PCI group. Conclusions: In patients with CTO, intravascular imaging-guided PCI was associated with reduced risk of TVF. Graded risk of TVF according to stent optimization by intravascular imaging supports the importance of intravascular imaging-guided PCI and achievement of stent optimization in CTO intervention.

Abstract 12812: Temporal Trends of Calcium Modification Therapies in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Introduction: Various techniques with different mechanisms of action are presently available for the modification of coronary calcium in chronic total occlusions (CTOs). Hypothesis: We sought to examine the temporal trends in the use of calcium modification therapies in a large multicenter CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) registry. Methods: We analyzed data from 13,079 CTO PCIs performed in 12,799 patients at 46 US and non-US centers between 2012 and 2023. Calcification was assessed by angiography as mild (spots), moderate (involving ≤50% of the reference lesion diameter), or severe (involving &gt;50% of the reference lesion diameter). Results: Moderate or severe calcification was present in 6,094 CTOs (46.6%). Among CTO lesions with moderate or severe calcium, one or more calcium modification techniques was used in 1,006 cases (16.9%); rotational atherectomy (7.2%, n=434), laser atherectomy (3.4%, n=203), intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) (3.4%, n=200), scoring balloon (3.0%, n=178), cutting balloon (1.8%, n=109), orbital atherectomy (1.5%, n=91), and Chocolate balloon (Teleflex, 0.3%, n=15). Over time, the use of calcium modification techniques for lesions with moderate to severe calcification increased from 2.5% in 2012 to 25.7% in 2023 (p for trend &lt;0.001), with a significant increase in the use of IVL (from 0.6% in 2020 to 16.6% in 2023; p for trend &lt;0.001) (Central Illustration). In the last 2 years (2021-2023), IVL was the most commonly used calcium modification technique followed by rotational atherectomy. Conclusions: The use of calcium modification techniques for calcified CTO lesions increased over time, with a significant increase in the use of IVL in the last years.

Abstract 18560: External Calcium Modification Technique to Recanalize a Balloon Uncrossable Chronic Coronary Total Occlusion

Introduction: Despite improvements in equipment and techniques, uncrossable chronic total occlusion (CTO) coronary lesions remain challenging.Case: A 66-year-old male with typical angina and a history of failed CTO PCI was referred to our CTO tertiary center as he did not wish to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an ejection fraction of 45%, and cardiac MRI demonstrated viability in the LAD region. Coronary angiography revealed a long LAD CTO over 20 mm with heavy calcification (Figure 1a). The J-CTO score was calculated to be 4. The cap of the CTO was semi-ambiguous. The wire was advanced through the highly calcified lesion with the support of a microcatheter but the microcatheter and low-profile balloons were unable to be advanced despite backup with 7 French femoral access and an EBU catheter in place (Figure 1b) Upon failure on using Leopard crawl technique and grenadoplasty and with unfavorable side branch anatomy for STAR technique, cracking the calcification with a balloon advanced over a subintimal hydrophilic wire was considered. A fielder XT-A guidewire was advanced around the CTO lesion in the subintimal area (Figure 1c). A 2x12 mm balloon was inflated at 8 atm over the wire situated in the subintimal area in order the crack the calcification from outside. After extraluminal plaque modification, the wire and the balloon were withdrawn. A microcatheter was then able to be advanced with the support of an anchor balloon over the original true lumen wire (Figure 1d). Then the procedure was successfully completed with balloon dilatation and stent implantation (Figure 1e-f). Conclusion: External Calcium Modification technique which consists of plaque modification using a balloon in subintimal space (over an intentionally directed wire in subintima and around the calcium) and cracking the calcium from the outer vessel structure can be used as a last resort to overcome balloon uncrossable CTO lesions.

Abstract 12780: Impact of Target Vessel on the Procedural Techniques and Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Introduction: There is limited information on the impact of the target vessel on the procedural techniques and outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of 11,580 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2022 at 44 centers. Results: The most common CTO target vessel was the right coronary artery (RCA) (53.1%) followed by the left anterior descending artery (LAD) (26.0%) and the left circumflex artery (LCX) (19.8%). RCA CTO lesions were longer and more complex with higher J-CTO score compared with LAD or LCX CTO lesions. Technical success was higher among LAD (88.8%) lesions when compared with RCA (85.7%) or LCX (85.8%) lesions (p&lt;0.001). The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was overall 1.9% (n=220) and was similar among target vessels (p=0.916). There was a tendency towards more frequent utilization of the retrograde approach for more proximal occlusions in all three target vessels. When compared with all other RCA lesions combined, distal RCA lesions had higher technical success (87.7% vs. 85.3%; p=0.048). Technical success was similar between various locations of LAD CTOs (p=0.704). First/second/third obtuse marginal branch had lower technical success when compared with all other LCX lesion locations (82.7% vs. 86.8%; p=0.014). There was no association between MACE and CTO location in all three target vessels. Conclusions: LAD CTO PCIs had higher technical and procedural success rates among target vessels. The incidence of MACE was similar among target vessels, and also among various locations within the target vessel.

Abstract 16998: A Novel Preclinical Model of Calcified Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion

Introduction: These is significant research into the development of new medications and devices to treat chronic total occlusions (CTO). However, there is a lack of large animal models which reproduce the anatomy of clinical CTOs. Aim: Create an experimental model that mimics the anatomic features of human CTOs. Methods: CTOs were created in coronary arteries of live Yorkshire pigs (weight 80-120 lbs). The bioactive dental plug material (OsteoGen® Plug, Impladent Ltd) was implanted into the middle segment of one of coronary arteries (LAD, LCX or RCA). Angiography (C- Arm, Siemens) was performed before, immediately after plug implantation and before autopsy to confirm the presence of a CTO lesion. Animals were sacrificed at 9 hours to 3 months (n=12) and all coronary arteries underwent histopathological examination. Results: Histopathologic assessment confirmed that the bioactive plug composed of calcium apatite crystals and bovine collagen matrix mimics the pathological appearances of human CTOs. Serial histological sections showed complete resorption of the collagen matrix with replacement by fibrotic tissue 2 months after plug implantation, while the calcium content remains in the CTO. Conclusions: We have developed a reproducible model of calcified CTOs in pigs. Our model can provide a platform for evaluation of new drugs and devices for the treatment of calcified CTOs as well as to serve as a live model for training interventional cardiologists learning to cross CTOs.

Abstract 14203: Speckle Tracking Analysis During Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion

Background: Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is often used as a non-invasive diagnostic modality for detection of myocardial ischemia and viability. A “biphasic response” in DSE can occur, in which contractility improves in dysfunctional segments with low dose stage and then becomes dysfunctional again at higher doses due to ischemia. We investigated if speckle tracking analysis during DSE can evaluate patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO). Methods: DSE was performed one day before CTO-PCI in consecutive 30 patients (18 female, age=71±11 years). Since 27 patients had 1 vessel, and 3 patients had 2 vessel CTO lesions, total of 33 regions were analyzed. Global (GLS) and regional longitudinal strain (RLS) were calculated as an averaged value of peak longitudinal strain in the apical 4-, 2-chamber, and long axis views at baseline echo, at low-dose, at high-dose DSE, and 6 months after CTO-PCI using available software (QLAB, Philips Medical Systems). Results: CTO-PCI was successfully done in all patients. GLS and RLS were feasible in all regions. Overall, GLS (-15.5±2.8 at baseline v.s. -17.3±3.8, p&lt;0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (56±6% v.s. 58±7%, p&lt;0.01) significantly improved 6 months after CTO-PCI. There was also significant improvement of RLS for the obstructed CTO regions (-13.8±3.6 v.s. -16.5±4.2, p&lt;0.005). Although in 24 patients (26 regions) with biphasic response during DSE (Figure), GLS (-15.7±2.5 v.s. -17.9±3.6, p&lt;0.01), LVEF (54±6% v.s. 56±7%, p&lt;0.05), and RLS (-13.8±3.5 v.s. -16.8±4.0, p&lt;0.01) improved significantly, GLS (-14.9±4.2 v.s. -15.8±5.0, p=n.s.), LVEF (59±3% v.s. 60±3%, p=n.s.), and RLS (-13.9±4.5 v.s. -15.5±5.7, p=n.s.) didn’t change in 6 patients (7 regions) without biphasic response. Conclusion: Speckle tracking analysis is feasible during DSE. CTO-PCI may improve both global and regional cardiac functions in patients with myocardial viability.

Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy as a novel strategy for balloon undilatable heavily calcified chronic total occlusion lesions.

The successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) improves the long-term outcome in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Heavy calcification remains one of the strongest predictors of an unfavorable outcome of PCI. In this case series study, shockwave intravascular lithotripsy (S-IVL)-a novel balloon-based coronary system facilitating modification of calcified coronary lesions was evaluated. The study population consisted of five heavily calcified, undilatable-CTOs lesions treated with S-IVL selected out of all consecutive CTO-PCI patients performed at two high-volume cardiac centers. The registry included 5 patients successful CTO - S-IVL procedures with an average J-CTO of 2.6 points. In the short-term follow-up period, including the first 30 days, no cases of acute in-stent thrombosis, target lesion failure, or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were noted. The present data suggest that this approach can be safe and useful in the treatment of complex calcified CTO lesions.

Prevalence of Collateral Typology in Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion and Its Impact on Percutaneous Intervention Performance

The presence of collateral channels providing distal blood supply is a distinctive characteristic of chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions. However, data about the distinct baseline and procedural characteristics of each collateral subset are scarce. Accordingly, we sought to explore the procedural aspects specific for each collateral typology (ipsilateral collaterals [ICs], contralateral collaterals [CCs] or mixed) in CTO-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A retrospective analysis of our CTO-PCI registry was performed to investigate the prevalence, procedural characteristics, and outcomes specific for each CTO-PCI subset, defined according to the inter-arterial connection anatomy. A total of 209 cases were included. Of the included cases, 45 (22%) and 92 (44%) patients displayed solely IC or CC, respectively, whereas in 72 (34%) both IC and CC were present (mixed). The procedural success rate was high (91.1%) and comparable among the different groups, despite greater lesion complexity in the CC group. The most frequent target vessel was the left circumflex in the IC group (51% of cases) and the right coronary artery in the CC (63%) and mixed (57%) groups. Among the IC cases, 42% showed a poor collateral connection function (2% and 10% for the CC and mixed group, respectively), and 46% showed a suboptimal collateral recipient artery filling (21% and 20% for the CC and mixed group, respectively). Most of the IC cases were performed using a single access (96%). In conclusion, the success and complication rates were comparable among the collateral typology groups, irrespective of the differences in the baseline and procedural characteristics. Phenotyping CTO as hereby proposed might be helpful for targeted procedural considerations.

Do chronic total occlusive lesions affect patency of coronary bypass grafts to the right coronary artery?

To evaluate the impact of chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions on the patency of bypass grafts to the right coronary artery territory. Two hundred patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with revascularization to the right coronary artery territory between April 2015 and July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Study patients were divided into two groups according to their right coronary artery lesion: patients with CTO lesions (n = 76) and those without CTO lesions (n = 124). Graft flow of the right coronary artery territory was evaluated by intraoperative transit time flow measurement and patency of the bypass graft was evaluated by multidetector row computed tomography. A total of 200 patients (76 patients with CTO and 124 patients without CTO) were included in this study. Intraoperative transit time flow measurement demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the median mean graft flow (30 ml/min vs. 25 ml/min; p = 0.114), pulsatility index (2.1 vs. 2.4; p = 0.079), and diastolic filling rate (65% vs. 64%; p = 0.844) between patients with CTO and those without CTO. Postoperative multidetector row computed tomography demonstrated that the patency of bypass grafts to the right coronary artery territory was similar between the groups (94.7% in patients with CTO vs. 96.0% in those without CTO; p = 0.733). In patients with CTO, the patency of bypass graft tended to be worse in subgroup with rich collateral blood flow (Rentrop grade 3). Chronic total occlusion lesions do not affect the patency of bypass grafts to the right coronary artery territory.

Outcomes of covered vs bare metal stents for the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease

ObjectiveWe retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of self-expanding covered stents (CSs) and bare metal stents (BMSs) in the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) at a single center between 2016 and 2022. MethodsAll patients with AIOD receiving endovascular therapy at a single center from January 2016 to October 2022 were continuously analyzed, including patients with lesions of all classes according to the Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II (TASC-II). Relevant clinical and baseline data were collected, and propensity score matching was performed to compare CSs and BMSs in terms of baseline characteristics, surgical factors, 30-day outcomes, 5-year primary patency, and limb salvage. The follow-up results were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify predictors of primary patency. ResultsA total of 209 patients with AIOD were enrolled in the study, including 135 patients (64.6%) in the CS group and 74 patients (35.4%) in the BMS group. Surgical success rates (100% vs 100%; P = 1.00), early (<30-day) mortality rates (0% vs 0%; P = 1.00), cumulative surgical complication rate (12.0% vs 8.0%; P = .891), 5-year primary patency rate (83.4% vs 86.9%; P = .330), secondary patency rate (96% vs 100%; P = .570), and limb salvage rate (100% vs 100%; P = 1.00) did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups. Patients in the CS group had a lower preoperative ankle-brachial index (0.48 ± 0.26 vs 0.52 ± 0.19; P = .032), more cases of complex AIOD (especially TASC D) (47.4% vs 9.5%; P < .001), more chronic total occlusive lesions (77.0% vs 31.1%; P < .001), and more severe calcification (20.7% vs 14.9%; P < .036). After propensity score matching, 50 patients (25 with CS and 25 with BMS) were selected. The results showed that only severe calcification (32.0% vs 8.0%; P = .034) and ankle-brachial index increase (0.45 ± 0.15 vs 0.41 ± 0.22; P = .038) were significantly different between the groups. In terms of surgical factors, patients in the CS group had more use of bilateral femoral or combined brachial artery percutaneous access (60.0% vs 12.0%; P < .001), more number of stents used (2.3 ± 1.2 vs 1.3 ± 0.7; P < .001), longer mean stent length (9.3 ± 3.3 vs 5.8 ± 2.6 cm; P < .001), and more catheter-directed thrombolysis treatment (32.0% vs 4.0%; P = .009). Multivariate Cox survival analysis showed that severe calcification (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.85; P = .048) was the only independent predictor of the primary patency rate. ConclusionsAll patients with AIOD who underwent endovascular therapy were included and achieved good outcomes with both CSs and BMSs. The influence of confounding factors in the two groups was minimized by propensity score matching, and the 5-year patency rates were generally similar in the unmatched and matched cohorts. Postoperative hemodynamic improvement was more obvious in patients in the CS group. For more complex lesions, CS is recommended to be preferred. Especially for severe calcification lesions, which is the only independent predictor of primary patency, CS showed obvious advantages. Further studies with more samples are needed to investigate the role of stent types in AIOD treatment.

Japanese scoring system as a prediction of successful guidewire crossing of below-the-knee chronic total occlusion

Background A condition known as chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) occurs when there is a drastic reduction in blood flow to the lower extremities because of arterial blockage. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of Japanese scoring system in our population as a prediction of successful guidewire crossing of below-the-knee chronic total occlusion. Patients and methods This study was conducted on 48 patients with 55 chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions. Patient assessment included history taking, laboratory analysis, and radiological assessment of the affected limbs. Patients were prepared for intraoperative angiography and then we applied Japanese below-the-knee chronic total occlusion (J BTK-CTO) scoring in our patients with antegrade of BTK-CTO by using 0.018, 0.035 wire, or additional retrograde guidewire crossing. Results In the current study, 54.5% of the studied lesions showed technical success and 45.5% showed failure. The median J BTK-CTO score was statistically significantly higher in the cases with failed crossing as compared with the cases with successful crossing [4 (2–6) and 1 (0–4), respectively] (P &lt; 0.001). The area under the curve for Japanese score in differentiating failure from success among the studied lesions is excellent with the best-detected cut-off point 3, yielding sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 96% and total accuracy 89.1%, and cut-off point 4 yielding sensitivity of 96.7%, specificity of 80% and total accuracy 89.1%. Conclusion Failure of guidewire crossing of below-the-knee chronic total occlusion is common and may be associated with serious complications. J BTK-CTO revealed high diagnostic accuracy for prediction of failure in these cases and this could provide a good prognostic score for careful management of limb ischemia. Lesions categorized as grade C or D (the J BTK-CTO score of 4–6) have a lower chance of S-GC. In such lesions, a retrograde approach using pedal artery wiring or a digital artery puncture should be considered after failure antegrade.

Long-term clinical outcomes of drug-coated balloon for the management of chronic total occlusions.

This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with de novo chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions treated by hybrid strategy and drug-coated balloons (DCB)-only strategy. DCBs have been used as an alternative to or in combination with drug-eluting stents in CTO lesions. However, the clinical impact of DCB treatment on CTO lesion remains uncertain. We retrospectively enrolled 154 patients with de novo CTO lesions treated by DCB, including 57 cases in hybrid group and 97 cases in DCB-only group. The lesions in hybrid group were more complicated than those in DCB-only group as shown by higher J-CTO score, and therefore higher percentage of retrograde approach, more IVUS guidance, more CTO guidewires, and longer procedural time were demonstrated. Although the percentage of non-flow-limiting dissection and residual stenosis of more than 30% were lower in hybrid group, TIMI flow grade, satisfactory and acceptable recanalization rate were not significantly different between two groups. During a median follow-up was 470 days, the incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR), myocardial infarction and cardiac death was 11.0%, 1.3% and 1.9%, respectively. The long-term TLR-free survival was comparable between hybrid and DCB-only groups. By multivariate analysis, DCB length and age were predictors of TLR. DCB treatment appears effective and safe in selected de novo CTO lesions during long-term follow up. The recanalization results and long-term outcomes are comparable between hybrid and DCB-only group despite more complicated lesions in hybrid group.