Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Research Articles

Activated clotting time and outcomes of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from the PROGRESS-CTO Registry.

The optimal range of activated clotting time (ACT) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received limited study. We examined the association between ACT and in-hospital ischemic and bleeding outcomes in patients who underwent CTO PCI in the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of CTO Intervention. ACT values were available for 4377 patients who underwent CTO PCI between 2012 and 2023 at 29 centers. The mean ACT distribution was less than 250 seconds (19%), 250 to 349 seconds (50%), and greater than or equal to 350 seconds (31%). The incidence of ischemic events, bleeding events, and net adverse cardiovascular events (NACE) was 0.8%, 3.0%, and 3.8%, respectively. In multiple logistic regression analysis, increasing nadir ACT was associated with decreasing ischemic events (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per 50-second increments: 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50-0.94; P=.017]; and increasing peak ACT was associated with increasing bleeding events (aOR per 50-second increments: 1.17 [95% CI ,1.01-1.36; P=.032]). A U-shaped association was seen between mean ACT and NACE, where restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated that patients with a low ( less than 200 seconds) or high ( greater than 400 seconds) ACT had increasing NACE risk compared with an ACT of 200 to 400 seconds (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.18-3.62; P=.012). Among patients who underwent CTO PCI, mean ACT had a U-shaped relationship with NACE, where patients with a low ( less than 200 seconds) ACT (driven by ischemic events) or high ( greater than 400 seconds) ACT (driven by bleeding) had higher NACE compared with an ACT of 200 to 400 seconds.

Applicability of J-CTO channel score to predict microcatheter tracking during retrograde percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions: Insights from the SURFING MICRO registry.

The J-chronic total occlusion(CTO) channel score can predict guidewire tracking of the collateral channels(CCs), but its efficacy in predicting microcatheter tracking has never been tested in the setting of retrograde CTO-percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Predicting microcatheter collateral tracking during retrograde CTO-PCIs. A total of 189 patients undergoing retrograde CTO-PCI from April 2017 to August 2021 were screened. The primary outcome of interest was a correlation between J-CTO channel score and microcatheter tracking failure (MTF) after successful CC tracking by the guidewire. The independent association between anatomical features of the J-CTO channel score and the primary outcome of interest was explored. After adjustment, only small size (adjusted OR: 12.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79-89.82; p = 0.01) and continuous bends (adjusted OR: 14.15, 95% CI: 2.77-72.34; p < 0.001) remained significantly associated with an increased risk of MTF for septal collaterals. The small size was the only predictor of the MTF for epicardial collaterals (OR: 6.39, 95% CI: 1.13-35.96; p = 0.020) at univariate analysis. Patients in the MTF group had a lower incidence of procedural success compared with patients in the microcatheter tracking success (MTS) group (40.0% vs. 93.9%, p < 0.001) and had a higher incidence of collateral perforations (20.0% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.001). Small and tortuous septal collaterals, identified by a score ≥3, are associated with an increased risk of MTF, lower incidence of procedural success, and higher risk of procedural complications driven by collateral perforations.

Clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion vs. non-chronic total occlusion: a multicentre registry

Abstract Background Revascularization of Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO) has gained popularity in recent decades. However, there is still debate about the benefits of treating a chronic total occlusion, resulting in a class IIa indication in the ESC Guidelines. Especially data regarding bleedings is scarce which could be expected due to the use of multiple and large-bore access and the use of prolonged and strong dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Providing more insight in the benefits and risks of CTO treatment in the context of PCI revascularization could be performed on a more evidence-based assessment. Purpose This study aims to provide additional data about outcomes and complications of patients undergoing revascularization of a CTO. Methods Patients from an ongoing, multicentre registry (‘Zuid-Oost Nederland Hart Registratie’ (ZON-HR)), which has started in November 2020, are included, in which patient- and angiography characteristics and 30-day and 1-year outcomes are collected. MACCE was defined as a composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischemic cerebrovascular accidents and stent thrombosis. Results A total of 3996 patients with complete 30-day follow-up were included in the registry, of which 185 patients underwent a PCI of a CTO and 3811 patients underwent a PCI of a non-CTO lesion between November 2020 and June 2022. Baseline characteristics are described in Table 1. The mean age of the entire population was 67.9 (± 12.1) years and predominantly male (72.7%). Analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of bleedings in patients treated with CTO (7.6% vs. 3.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.01) and especially access bleedings (5.9% vs. 1.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.01). In patients with access bleedings double access-site punction was more frequently applied for CTO PCI (80% vs. 25%, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Patients with CTO PCI showed more coronary dissection/perforation with the need for covered stent treatment (2.7% vs. 0.6%, p &amp;lt; 0.01) as well. No significant difference for MACCE within 30 days was present. Additionally, multivariate analysis were performed for baseline variables showing no association with the occurrence of access bleedings and peripheral artery vessel disease and the indication of PCI. Ancillary analyses were performed with patients with 1-year follow-up (n = 1356; CTO = 64 vs. non-CTO = 1292), showing no significant differences in MACCE and bleedings. Conclusion(s) This registry shows that CTO PCI results in higher incidence of complications and access bleedings. Access bleedings are possibly related to the frequent use of double access-site punction in patients with CTO PCI which should be investigated further, as well as the role of DAPT after PCI.

Outcomes of chronic total occlussion recanalization in patients with prior bypass-surgery: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of real world registries

Abstract Background Recanalization of chronic total occlusion (CTO) coronary lesions by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still considered a challenging scenario due to the complexity of coronary lesions as well as the requirement of CTO PCI advanced techniques. The aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of patients undergoing CTO PCI with and without CABG surgery. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that compared in-hospital outcomes of CTO PCI in patients with vs. without prior CABG published in Medline from inception until December 2022. The results are synthesized in a quantitative manner with random effects models. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test, whereas continuous variables were compared using a 2-sample Student's t-test. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistics: I2 statistic &amp;gt;50% was considered substantial, and I2 &amp;gt;75% was considered considerable. The Review Manager Software version 5.3.5. (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014) was used to calculate summary statistics (odds ratios [ORs] with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]). Results Eleven observational studies with a total of 35,666 patients were included, of whom 7,005 patients had a history of CABG. Prior CABG patients were older, (68.1 ± 9.0 vs. 64.1 ± 10.7 years; p &amp;lt; 0.001), and had more complex coronary lesions (J-CTO score: 3.2 ± 1.4 vs. 2.5 ± 1.4; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Prior CABG was associated with lower technical success (66.6% vs. 78.5%; OR 0.53 [95% CI: 0.43 to 0.65]; p &amp;lt; 0.00001, I2 = 84%) as well as lower procedural success (OR 0.64 [95% CI: 0.57 to 0.71]; p &amp;lt; 0.00001, I2 = 0%) as compared with patients with no prior CABG (Figure 1A and Figure 1B). Prior CABG patients had a higher incidence of in-hospital mortality (0.7% vs. 0.4%; OR: 2.00 [95% CI: 1.32 to 3.05]; p = 0.001, I2 = 9%, Figure 2A), coronary perforation (3.7% vs. 2.3%; OR: 1.64 [95% CI: 1.15 to 2.33]; p &amp;lt; 0.006, I2 = 74%, Figure 2B), and myocardial infarction (1.7% vs. 0.7%; OR: 2.57 [95% CI: 1.73 to 3.81]; p &amp;lt; 0.00001, I2 = 12%), but a lower incidence of cardiac tamponade (0.2% vs. 0.9%; OR: 0.36 [95% CI: 0.17 to 0.77]; p = 0.09, I2 = 0%, Figure 2C) compared with those without prior CABG. Both groups had a similar incidence of acute cerebrovascular events (0.2% vs. 0.1%; OR: 1.70 [95% CI: 0.75 to 3.88]; p = 0.21, I2 = 0%), major bleeding (1.4% vs. 1.2%; OR: 1.24 [95% CI: 0.96 to 1.61]; p = 0.09, I2 = 0%) and vascular complications (1.4% vs. 0.9%; OR: 1.50 [95% CI: 0.93 to 2.41]; p = 0.10, I2 = 0%). Conclusion Prior CABG patients undergoing CTO PCI presented a higher risk of in-hospital mortality and perioperative procedural complications although the risk of tamponade was lower.Figure 1A and Figure 1BFigure 2A, 2B and 2C

Efficacy of the tip-detection method over the retrograde approach for chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background The tip-detection method has been acknowledged as a novel strategy for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when conventional antegrade wiring strategies are ineffective, but a comparison with the retrograde approach has yet to be carried out. Method We retrospectively enrolled 170 consecutive CTO PCI cases and separated them according to the adopted strategies. The wire-manipulation time for each strategy was compared between the tip-detection method and the retrograde approach. The rate of successful wire crossing was analyzed according to the variables in the complexity scores. Results Fifty-six attempts with the tip-detection method were observed, with 46 (82.1%) successful cases. Sixty-one retrograde approaches were performed, in which 29 (47.5%) cases achieved procedural success. In the successful attempts, the wire-manipulation time was significantly shorter with the tip-detection method (20.0 [12.2-36.7] min) than with the retrograde approach (35.0 [20.7-49.7] min) (p=0.008). Incomplete tip-detection wire crossing (taking &amp;gt;30 min) was seen in severely tortuous lesions (odds ratio: 0.26, 95% confidence interval: 0.06–0.97, p = 0.037). Conclusions The tip-detection method can improve the rate and time required for successful CTO PCI compared with the retrograde approach. However, the success rate of the tip-detection method is hampered by lesion tortuosity.Figure

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 12063: Ad Hoc Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the PROGRESS-CTO Registry

Introduction: Although discouraged, ad hoc chronic total occlusions (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is occasionally performed. Methods: We examined the clinical, angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of patients who underwent ad hoc CTO PCI in the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of CTO Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO, NCT02061436). Results: Of the 10,998 patients included in the registry, 899 (8.2%) underwent ad hoc CTO PCI. The incidence of ad hoc CTO PCI decreased from 18% in 2016 to 3% in 2022. Ad hoc CTO PCI patients had a lower prevalence of comorbidities and less complex angiographic characteristics demonstrated by lower J-CTO score (1.9 ± 1.2 vs 2.4 ± 1.3, p&lt;0.001). In these patients, PROGRESS-CTO major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (1.9 ± 1.4 vs 2.5 ± 1.7), mortality (1.2 ± 1.0 vs 1.6 ± 1.1), and perforation (1.5 ± 1.2 ± 2.2 vs 1.5) scores were lower (p&lt;0.001). Technical success was similar between the groups (86%). MACE were lower in the ad hoc CTO PCI group (0.8% vs 2.0%, p=0.009). Ad hoc CTO PCI was not associated with MACE after adjusting for potential confounders, odds ratio: 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.30-1.57). In patients with higher J-CTO scores, planned CTO PCI was associated with higher technical success (p&lt;0.001) (Figure). Conclusions: Approximately 8% of CTO PCI procedures are performed ad hoc, usually in less complex lesions and patients with lower complication risk. While ad hoc CTO PCI might be appropriate for carefully selected cases, a staged approach is recommended for most CTO PCI.

Abstract 15589: Impact of Preprocedural Anemia on In-Hospital and Follow-Up Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: The impact of preprocedural anemia on the outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received limited study. Methods: We examined the clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of 8,633 CTO PCIs performed at 39 US and non-US centers between 2012 and 2023. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level of &lt;13 g/dL for men and &lt;12 g/dL for women. Results: Anemia was present in 1,652 (19%) patients undergoing CTO PCI. These patients had a higher incidence of comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. CTOs in anemic patients were more likely to have complex angiographic characteristics, including smaller diameter, longer length, moderate to severe calcification, and moderate to severe proximal tortuosity. Anemic patients required longer procedure (119 vs. 107 min; p&lt;0.001) and fluoroscopy (45 vs. 40 min; p&lt;0.001) times but received similar contrast volumes. Technical success was similar between the two groups. In-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rates were higher in patients with anemia; however, this association was no longer significant after adjusting for confounding factors. Baseline anemia was independently associated with follow-up MACE (adjusted HR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.07-2.49; p=0.023) and all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.41-6.49; p=0.004). Conclusions: Preprocedural anemia is associated with more comorbidities, higher lesion complexity, longer procedure times, and higher follow-up MACE and mortality after CTO PCI.

Abstract 15646: Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Patients With Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Background: The long-term outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) have received limited study. Methods: We examined the baseline characteristics and outcomes of CTO PCIs performed at 47 US and non-US centers between 2012 and 2023. Results: Of the 12,164 patients who underwent CTO PCI during the study period, 3,475 (29%) had prior CABG. Prior CABG patients were older, more likely to be men, with higher incidence of comorbidities and lower left ventricular ejection fraction and eGFR. Their CTOs were more likely to have moderate/severe calcification and proximal tortuosity, proximal cap ambiguity, longer lesion length and higher J-CTO scores. The first and final successful crossing strategy was more likely to be the retrograde approach. They had lower technical (82.1% vs 88.2%, p&lt;0.001) and procedural (80.8% vs 86.8%, p&lt;0.001) success, but similar incidence of in-hospital major complications. The incidence of in-hospital death (0.8% vs 0.3%, p&lt;0.001), acute myocardial infarction (0.9% vs 0.5%, p=0.007) and perforation (7.0% vs 4.2%, p&lt;0.001) was higher in prior CABG patients, while pericardial tamponade was less common (0.1% vs 1.3%, p&lt;0.001). At 2-year follow-up, the incidence of major adverse cardiac events, repeat PCI and acute coronary syndromes was significantly higher in prior CABG patients, while all-cause mortality was similar. Conclusions: Prior CABG patients undergoing CTO PCI have more complex clinical and angiographic characteristics and lower success rate, but similar incidence of in-hospital major complications, and had higher incidence of MACE but similar all-cause mortality during long-term follow-up. Abbreviations: eGFR= estimated glomerular filtration rate

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 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 11687: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusions is Associated With Higher Inpatient Mortality and Complications

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) is commonly performed despite unclear long-term benefits. Hypothesis: The goal of this study was to evaluate the post-procedural outcome of patients with CTO intervention. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, years 2016-2020, was studied using ICD 10 codes. Patients with CTO intervention were compared to patients without CTO. We evaluated post-procedural mortality and complications. Results: PCI in patients with CTO was associated with higher mortality and all post-procedural complications. A total of 2,011,854 patients underwent PCI with 259,574 having CTO. The CTO group had a 3.17% mortality rate vs 2.57% of non-CTO PCI. (OR, 1.24; CI:1.18-1.31; p&lt;0.001). Using multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, race, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease, CTO PCI remained significantly associated with higher mortality (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.3 - 1.45; p&lt;0.001). Patients with CTO compared to non-CTO PCI patients had higher rates of myocardial infarction (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 2.54 - 3.21; p&lt;0.001), coronary perforation (OR, 6.01; 95% CI, 5.25-6.89; p&lt;0.001), tamponade (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 2.91-3.88, p&lt;0.001), contrast-induced nephropathy (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.45-2.90), p&lt;0.001), procedural bleeding (OR, 3.57; 95% CI, 3.27-3.89, p&lt;0.001), and acute post-procedural respiratory failure (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.81-2.36, p&lt;0.001). All post-procedural complications were more than 3 times the non-CTO patients (OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 3.24-3.67; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Using a large national inpatient database, PCI performed in patients with CTO was associated with significantly much higher mortality and post-procedural complications compared to PCI in non-CTO patients.

Abstract 12054: Activated Clotting Time and Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the PROGRESS-CTO Registry

Introduction: The optimal range of activated clotting time (ACT) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received limited study. Methods: We examined the association between ACT and in-hospital ischemic and bleeding outcomes in patients who underwent CTO PCI in the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of CTO Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO, NCT02061436). Results: ACT values were available for 4,377 patients who underwent CTO PCI between 2012 and 2023 at 29 centers. Mean ACT distribution was: &lt;250 seconds (19%), 250-349 seconds (50%), and ≥350 seconds (31%). The incidence of ischemic events was 0.8%, bleeding events 3.0%, and net adverse cardiovascular events (NACE, composite of in-hospital all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, urgent repeat revascularization, pericardiocentesis, and bleeding) 3.8%. In multiple logistic regression analysis, increasing nadir ACT was associated with decreasing ischemic events: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) per 50-second increments: 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-0.94, p=0.017); and increasing peak ACT was associated with increasing bleeding events: aOR per 50-second increments 1.17 (95% CI 1.01-1.36, p=0.032). A U-shaped association was seen between mean ACT and NACE, where restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated that patients with low (&lt;200 seconds) or high (&gt;400 seconds) ACT had increasing NACE risk, compared with ACT 200-400 seconds (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.18-3.62, p=0.012) (Figure). Conclusions: Among patients who underwent CTO PCI, mean ACT had a U-shaped relationship with NACE, where patients with low (&lt;200 seconds) ACT (driven by ischemic events) or high (&gt;400 seconds) ACT (driven by bleeding) had higher NACE compared with ACT of 200-400 seconds.

Device-based antegrade dissection re-entry versus parallel wire techniques for the percutaneous revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusions.

Device-based antegrade dissection re-entry (ADR) and parallel wire technique (PWT) are two important techniques in the antegrade approach in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO). The study is aimed to compare the procedural and mid-term outcomes between device-based ADR using the CrossBoss/Stingray system and PWT in CTO PCI. Data was retrospectively collected from consecutive patients who underwent CTO PCI using device-based ADR or PWT. CTO due to in-stent restenosis were excluded. A total of 273 patients were included in the study (n = 55 in device-based ADR group, n = 218 in PWT group). Baseline characteristics were similar across groups except for higher prevalence of prior PCI and lower level of lipid profile in the ADR group. Moreover, although patients in the ADR group showed higher contrast volume (441.6 ± 162.4 mL vs. 361.5 ± 142.1 mL, p < 0.001), more intravascular ultrasound guidance (50.9% vs. 22.9%, p < 0.001), more guidewires used (4.6 ± 1.4 vs. 3.4 ± 1.2, p < 0.001) and higher troponin T level after PCI (0.167 vs. 0.087, p = 0.004), the technical success, procedural success and in-hospital complications were similar between the two groups. During a median follow-up of 1 year, the ADR group showed no difference in major adverse cardiac events (MACE, including all cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and ischemia driven target vessel revascularization) (7.3% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.150) as compared with the PWT group. In the documented center, the use of device-based ADR for CTO PCI showed no difference in in-hospital complications and mid-term MACE as compared with PWT, despite higher procedure complexity in ADR group.

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.

Exploring indicators of success in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention with Stingray system-based antegrade dissection re-entry: Insights from retrospective analysis.

The predictors of success of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through antegrade dissection and re-entry (ADR) using the Stingray system (Stingray ADR) remain elusive, mainly owing to the lack of consecutive angiographic and procedural records of patients. This study aimed to identify indicators that can determine the success of CTO PCI performed using the Stingray ADR technique. The clinical data of 115 patients who underwent CTO PCI through Stingray ADR at the same cardiac center were retrospectively and consecutively collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the indicators of the success of ADR attempts. The technical success rate of Stingray ADR in CTO PCI was 72.2%. The overall technical success rate of CTO recanalization was 78.3% in all CTO PCIs having used Stingray Low Profile balloon. Vessel calcification (odds ratio [OR]: 4.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49-11.88; p = 0.008), and retrograde puncture indicator (OR: 4.89; 95% CI: 1.51-17.11; p = 0.009) were identified as independent positive predictors. Blunt/no stump proximal to the occlusion segment (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06-0.64; p = 0.009), decision time before Stingray ADR (per 1 h increase) (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.31-0.92; p = 0.026), operation duration of Stingray ADR (per 10 min increase) (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.40-0.94; p = 0.028), and puncture site at the intraplaque region (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.06-0.84; p = 0.026) were identified as the four negative independent predictors. This study revealed independent predictors of the success of CTO PCI performed using the Stingray ADR technique. As for CTO characteristics, the presence of calcification in the CTO segment and a tapered stump proximal to the lesion site can facilitate successful Stingray ADR. As for the procedures, the success rate of Stingray ADR can be improved by initiating the technique decisively and promptly, operating the system quickly and accurately and creating a puncture in the distal cap region of CTO under retrograde guidance.

Accurate Prediction of Retrograde Collateral Channel Crossing in Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention

Successful collateral channel (CC) crossing is an essential step in retrograde chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). We previously developed a dedicated CC score based on CC size and tortuosity to facilitate target CC selection. Validation and comparison to other scoring systems were lacking. Thus, the aims of this study were to 1) validate the CC score in a larger independent cohort, and 2) compare its accuracy and clinical usefulness with the J-channel score. All coronary CTO PCIs attempted by experienced high-volume operators from January, 2017 to December, 2021 were enrolled. The CC and J-channel scores were calculated for all attempted CCs with bi-plane high-resolution cine angiography images. CC crossing success was defined as guidewire reaching the distal true lumen retrogradely. In total, 502 patients who received CTO PCI were included. The retrograde approach was utilized in 244 target CTOs, and a total of 329 CCs were attempted. The overall CC crossing rate was 67.8% (223/329) and final technical success rate 92.2% (225/244). The average CC score was 2.0 and average J-channel score was 0.71. The sensitivity and specificity of successful CC crossing with the CC score ≥2 were 81.2%, and 84.0%, respectively. Comparison between the CC score (area under the curve [AUC] 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83-0.90) and the J-channel score (AUC 0.61; 95% CI 0.55-0.67) demonstrated superior predictive performance of the CC score (p <0.001). The CC score was an easy-to-use and accurate tool for the prediction of successful CC crossing in retrograde CTO PCI. The CC score can help operators select the ideal target CC, thereby facilitating final procedural success.

The safety and feasibility of live-stream proctoring for CTO procedures.

To assess the technical feasibility of a new method of educational training, based on audio-video (AV) communication between an interventional cardiologist and the cath lab staff members in one location and a remote expert proctor. Overall, 9 patients underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) targeting a chronic total occlusion (CTO) between June 2021 and January 2022 at a single Belgian center using the virtual proctoring approach. For this assessment, the strategic planning of the CTO PCI and all the decisions throughout the intervention were the responsibility of the proctor. The operator was guided via an AV link, by the proctor throughout the procedure. The operator performed each procedural step, guided by the remote proctor, who had continuous access to all relevant interventional details. No major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurred during the index hospitalization or within 6 months follow-up. A new method of virtual proctoring based on live AV communication is feasible, even in the case of highly complex CTO PCI procedures. This strategy also appears safe and may provide the patient the benefit of incremental expertise. This approach is facilitated by advances in AV communication and allows physicians to share expertise irrespective of location. It could increase global interaction between colleagues and facilitate sharing of knowledge, which are both key aspects in the development of CTO PCI. This preliminary experience could serve as a basis for future large studies to study the potential role and benefits of virtual proctoring for complex CTO PCI procedures.

Use of the Carlino Technique in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

We examined the outcomes of the Carlino technique in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and outcomes of 128 CTO PCIs that included the Carlino technique at 22 US and no-US centers between 2016 and 2023. The Carlino technique was used in 128 (2.8%) of 4,508 cases that used anterograde dissection and reentry (78.9%) or the retrograde approach (21.1%) during the study period, and it increased steadily over time (from 0.0% in 2016 to 8.3% in 2023). The mean patient age was 65.6 ± 9.7years, and 88.7% of the patients were men with high prevalence of hypertension (89.1%) and dyslipidemia (80.2%). The Carlino technique was more commonly used in cases with moderate to severe calcification (77.2% vs 55.5%, p <0.001) with higher J-CTO (3.3 ± 0.9 vs 3.0 ± 1.1, p=0.007), Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO) (1.7 ± 1.0 vs 1.4 ± 1.0, p=0.001), PROGRESS-CTO Mortality (2.6 ± 0.9 vs 2.0 ± 0.9, p=0.013) and PROGRESS-CTO Perforation (3.7 ± 1.1 vs 3.5 ± 1.0, p=0.029) scores. Carlino cases had longer procedure and fluoroscopy time, and higher contrast volume and radiation dose. Carlino cases had lower technical (65.6% vs 78.5%, p <0.001) and procedural (63.3% vs 76.3%, p <0.001) success, similar major adverse cardiac events (6.2% vs 3.2%, p=0.101) and higher incidence of pericardiocentesis (3.9% vs 1.3%, p=0.042), perforation (18.0% vs 8.9%, p=0.001) and contrast-induced acute kidney injury (2.3% vs 0.4%, p=0.012). The Carlino technique was associated with higher procedural success when used for retrograde crossing (81.5% vs 58.4%, p=0.047). The Carlino technique is increasingly being used in CTO PCI especially for higher complexity lesions.

Gender-Based Differences in Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusions (Insights from a Large Single-Center Registry)

Patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusions (CTO) are at a high risk for both periprocedural and post-procedural adverse events. Whether gender-differences in outcomes exist after PCI of CTO remain unclear. Therefore, we sought to investigate gender-based differences in outcomes after CTO-PCI. All patients who underwent elective CTO intervention from January 2012 to December 2017 at The Mount Sinai Hospital (New York, New York) were included. The primary end point of interest was major adverse cardiac events defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization at 1year of follow-up. A total 1,897 patients were included, of which 368 were women (19.4%). Mean follow-up time was 174days. Women were older (66.8 ± 11.3years vs 62.6 ± 10.9years) and had a higher prevalence of co-morbidities including diabetes and chronic kidney disease. There were no significant differences in the rate of successful CTO-PCI between groups (73.5% vs 73.2%, p=0.91). Women had higher rates of procedure-related complications including increased risk of post-procedural bleeding (4.1% vs 1.8%, p=0.009) and acute vessel closure (1.36% vs 0.2%, p=0.009). In multivariable-adjusted analysis, female gender was associated with higher risk of major adverse cardiac event and target vessel revascularization at 1year. In conclusion, in this large single-center study, women who underwent percutaneous CTO revascularization experienced higher rates of periprocedural complications and worse clinical outcomes at 1year compared with men. Further research is needed to address disparities in gender-specific outcomes of CTO-PCI.