Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion Research Articles

Role of pre-procedure CCTA in predicting failed percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusions

PurposeThis study aimed to identify major lesion characteristics of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) that predict failed percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using pre-procedure coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in combination with conventional coronary angiography (CCA). MethodsConsecutive patients with at least one CTO of the native coronary arteries received CCTA and CCA-guided PCI, with computed tomography performed before or during PCI. ResultsA total of 76 patients with CTO were included in this study. 76 patients were divided into successful and failed PCI groups based on their PCI outcome. There were 62 (81.58 %) patients in the successful PCI group and 14 (18.42 %) in the failed PCI group. The occlusion length ≥20 mm, ostial or bifurcation lesions, negative remodeling, microchannels, and good collateral vessels were the CCTA morphologic parameters associated with PCI outcome (P<0.05). In addition, the blunt stump, occlusion length ≥20 mm, and ostial or bifurcation lesions, were the CCA morphologic parameters associated with PCI outcome (P<0.05). The multivariate regression model showed that the three independent negative predictors: blunt stump on CCA (OR: 0.63; 95 % CI: 0.23–0.98; p =0.048), occlusion length ≥20 mm on CCTA (OR: 0.37; 95 % CI: 0.32–0.71; p <0.001) and negative remodeling on CCTA (OR: 0.26; 95 % CI: 0.28–0.44; p <0.001). ConclusionOur study demonstrated that combining CCTA and CCA morphologic characteristics could improve PCI outcome prediction in patients with CTO compared to CCTA morphologic features alone.

The Impact of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Echocardiographic Parameters in Patients with Chronic Total Occlusion of the Coronary Arteries with Diverse Left Ventricular Ejection Fractions: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Background: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary arteries presents a significant challenge in the management of coronary artery disease, with diverse clinical manifestations and implications for patients with varying left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on echocardiographic parameters in patients with CTO and different LVEF, so as to optimize the care and outcomes of patients. Methods: We selected patients with CTO of coronary arteries treated at our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 consecutively in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on their LVEF: the low to moderate LVEF (&lt;50%) group and the high LVEF group. Echocardiographic parameters, medication use, and demographic characteristics were assessed before and after PCI. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare changes in LVEF, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and left ventricular wall motion score (LVWMS) between the two LVEF groups. Results: A total of 100 patients including 67 patients with Low &amp; Mid-range LVEF and 33 patients with High LVEF were included. Patients in the low and mid-range LVEF group demonstrated significant improvements in LVEF (p = 0.010), LVESV (p = 0.013), LVEDV (p = 0.034), GLS (p = 0.014), and LVWMS (p = 0.014) following PCI. In contrast, no significant changes in these parameters were observed in the high LVEF group after PCI. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that PCI leads to significant improvements in LVEF, LVESV, LVEDV, GLS, and LVWMS in patients with low to moderate LVEF, indicating potential benefits of revascularization in this patient subset.

Abstract 4138792: A Case of Right Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion in a Transplanted Heart: To Stent or Not to Stent?

Background: Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV) is commonly seen in transplanted hearts. Due to the absence of innervation, many transplanted patients have no symptoms despite extensive disease. This poses a challenge in deciding when to perform coronary interventions. We present a case of significant CAV on surveillance angiogram that posed a challenge in management. Case: A 67-year-old female presented for her fifth surveillance coronary angiography nine and a half years after her heart transplant. The angiogram revealed ostial right coronary artery (RCA) chronic total occlusion (CTO) with left-to-right collaterals as well as diffuse irregularities in the left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex arteries. The patient was asymptomatic and two years prior to that, her angiogram revealed no significant disease. Biopsies for the past nine years showed no evidence of allograft rejection. She was subsequently referred for coronary intervention. Due to concern of CTO being a sign of rapidly progressing CAV, it was decided to undergo revascularization of the RCA. Antegrade approach was performed with guidance from contralateral injections. Three overlapping drug-eluting stents were deployed proximally-distally using intravascular ultrasound guidance. Surveillance angiography nine months later showed patent RCA stents with no significant disease otherwise. Eighteen months later, angiography demonstrated CTO of the mid LAD and patent RCA stents with mild in-stent restenosis in the most distal RCA stent. The patient remained asymptomatic. Discussion: CAV develops in fifty percent of transplanted hearts within 10 years and requires close surveillance. In this case, revascularization of the RCA CTO resulted in maintaining graft function for at least two additional years as the development of LAD CTO may have resulted in graft failure had the RCA CTO not been intervened upon. CTO revascularization in CAV has the potential to prolong graft viability and delay the need for re-transplantation. Further studies related to CTO revascularization, especially in asymptomatic transplanted patients, are needed to understand the impact on morbidity and mortality in this patient population.

Abstract 4137144: Return to Cath Lab: Chest Pain Resolution after Right Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention

Introduction: Subacute stent thrombosis (ST) is related to high rates of cardiac reinfarction. We present a case of reinfarction from ST. The patient’s chest pain (CP) was not alleviated with initial revascularization of his left circumflex (LCx) ST, requiring PCI to his right coronary artery (RCA) chronic total occlusion (CTO). This is a novel approach to CTO PCI which is traditionally a non-urgent procedure. Case: A 53-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease and surgical turndown presented to the ED with CP. Two weeks prior he had impella guided LM bifurcation PCI with DES and ramus intermedius (RI) angioplasty (PTA) but was nonadherent to clopidogrel. He had a BP of 127/85, HR of 65, and was on room air. Exam was unremarkable. His EKG was in sinus rhythm with S-T depressions ~1mm in leads V1-V4 concerning for posterior infarction. HS-troponin (HST) was 60. Angiography (CA) showed thrombotic occlusion of his LCx DES (Fig 1a) and an RCA CTO (Fig 1c). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed DES struts overlying the ostial LCx concerning for mechanical deformation from carinal shift. OCT guided PTA and laser thrombectomy (LT) of the LCx led to TIMI-3 Flow. LT and kissing balloon inflation (BI) was performed on the LAD and LCx to reshape the carina. HST peaked at 116,012. He had CCS Class IV CP despite medical therapy and returned for re-look CA with TIMI-3 flow in the left-sided circulation without thrombus (Fig 1b). He had PCI to his distal RCA CTO with two DES and TIMI-3 flow in the RCA (Fig 1d). He did not have recurrence of CP. Discussion: Bifurcation PCI leads to challenges from anatomic reconfiguration, metallic DES deformity, and changes in blood flow leading to increased risk of distal ST. This patient’s CA demonstrated LM DES material overlying the LCx from carinal shifting which likely led to interrupted flow dynamics. His LCx ST was partly due to this stasis and his clopidogrel nonadherence. Despite PCI of his LCx his CP remained with poor collateral flow from the left circulation. While CTO procedures are typically done non urgently, emergent intervention on our patient’s RCA CTO led to complete resolution of his CP and clear benefit for symptomatic management.

Chronic total occlusions and coronary artery bypass grafting outcomes

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between the presence and grafting of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) outcomes. MethodsThis was a post hoc analysis of the Randomized Endograft vs Open Prospective (REGROUP) trial, which randomized veterans undergoing isolated on-pump CABG to endoscopic versus open vein harvest (2014-2017). Patients were stratified on the basis of the presence of at least 1 CTO vessel (a 100% occluded coronary lesion for greater than or equal to 3 months) and according to whether all CTO vessels were bypassed. Rates of major cardiac adverse events (MACE) were compared. ResultsAt least 1 CTO was present in 453 of 1149 patients (39.4%). Over a median follow-up of 4.7 years (interquartile range, 3.84-5.45), MACE rates were 23.4% versus 22.2% for the CTO versus no CTO group, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-1.20). MACE rates for patients with complete CTO grafting versus not were 23.1% versus 25.0%, respectively (aHR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.57-1.57). In patients with right coronary dominance undergoing left anterior descending artery grafting, bypassing a right coronary artery CTO was associated with significantly lower rates of all-cause mortality (aHR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17-0.83). ConclusionsIn this REGROUP trial subanalysis, neither CTO presence or complete grafting of CTO vessels was associated with significantly different rates of MACE. However, the finding of possible survival benefit among a subgroup of patients undergoing grafting of a dominant RCA CTO vessel alongside left anterior descending artery grafting warrants additional study.

Complete vs. incomplete percutaneous revascularization in patients with chronic total coronary artery occlusion.

There is current controversy surrounding the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO). We aimed to evaluate the impact of complete percutaneous revascularization on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with CTO. A retrospective observational study was conducted of consecutive patients referred for invasive coronary angiography at a single center between January 2018 and December 2019 and at least a CTO. The patients were divided into two groups according to the result of the procedure: complete revascularization of CTO (CR-CTO) versus incomplete revascularization (ICR-CTO) (patients with at least one non-recanalized CTO). Short- and mid-term clinical outcomes were evaluated. The primary endpoint was a composite of MACE that included all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or unplanned revascularization. In total, 359 patients with CTO were included. The median age was 68 years [interquartile range (IQR) 60-77 years], 66 (18%) were women and 169 (47.3%) had diabetes mellitus. In all, 167 (46.5%) patients received complete revascularization. After a median follow-up of 42 months (IQR 46-50 months), the primary endpoint occurred in 39 (23.4%) patients in the CR-CTO group and in 75 (39.1%) in the ICR-CTO group (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.34-0.74; p < 0.001). This association remained significant in an inverse probability weighted model considering prognostic factors (adjusted HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41-0.92; p = 0.018) and was driven by lower rates of all-cause death (adjusted OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.23-0.84; p = 0.01). Complete revascularization of CTO was associated with a lower risk of MACE in the midterm follow up.

Impact of chronic total occlusion on prognosis in cardiogenic shock due to unprotected left main coronary artery culprit lesion. Insights from the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Notwithstanding readily available revascularization, significant advancements in mechanical circulatory support, and pharmacological progress, cardiogenic shock (CS) secondary to unprotected left main culprit lesion-related acute myocardial infarction (ULMCL-related AMI) is associated with very high mortality. In this population, chronic total occlusion (CTO) is relatively frequent. This study sought to assess the association between the presence of CTO and 12-month mortality in patients with CS due to ULMCL-related AMI. The study included consecutive patients admitted for AMI-related CS with ULMCL who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and were enrolled in the prospective Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (PL-ACS) between January 2017 and December 2021. The patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence of at least one CTO. The primary endpoint was all-cause death at 12 months. Of the 250 included patients, 60 (24%) patients had one or more CTOs of a major coronary artery (+CTO), and in 190 (76%) patients, the presence of CTO was not observed (-CTO). The 12-month mortality rates for the +CTO and -CTO patients were 85% and 69.8%, respectively (P log-rank = 0.03). After multivariable adjustment for differences in the baseline characteristics, the presence of CTO remained significantly associated with higher 12-month mortality (hazard ratio, 1.423; 95% CI, 1.027-1.973; P = 0.034). Our analysis showed that in patients with CS due to ULMCL-related AMI treated with PCI, the presence of CTO is associated with worse 12-month prognosis.

Refined metabolite profiling in the collateral circulation of chronic total occlusion of coronary arteries: Insights from a metabolomics investigation

Background and aimsTo investigate the disparities in coronary collateral circulation (CCC) and peripheral serum metabolites among patients presenting with chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary arteries, a non-targeted metabolic approach was employed. MethodsA cohort of 22 patients diagnosed with CTO of coronary arteries in the context of coronary heart disease (CHD) was selected for blood sample collection from CCC and peripheral arteries. The patients were categorized into two groups, namely CTO-C and CTO-P. The Waters UPLC I-Class Plus is combined with the Q Exactive high-resolution mass spectrometer for metabolite separation and detection. The acquired raw data from mass spectrometry is subsequently imported into Compound Discoverer 3.2 software for comprehensive analysis, which seamlessly integrates the BGI Metabolome Database (BMDB), mzCloud database, and ChemSpider online database. Subsequently, the identified differential metabolites were subjected to a metabolic pathway enrichment analysis, as documented in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. ResultsA total of 403 differential metabolites were identified in CCC and peripheral serum samples from patients with CTO of coronary arteries in CHD. Compared to the CTO-P group, the CTO-C group exhibited decreased levels of metabolites such as Testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), deoxyacetone, while demonstrating increased levels of metabolites including Progesterone, androstanone, l-threonine. The biosynthesis pathway of steroid hormones emerges as the key metabolic pathway significantly associated with differential metabolites. ConclusionsThrough metabolomics analysis, distinct differences in the CCC and peripheral serum metabolites have been identified among patients with CTO of coronary artery. Notably, a significant association between the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway and CCC has been observed.

High Sensitivity Troponin Level and Benefits of Chronic Total Occlusion Revascularization.

Background The survival benefit of revascularization of chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary arteries remains a subject of controversy. We measured high sensitivity troponin-I (hsTn-I) levels as an estimate of myocardial ischemia in patients with stable coronary artery disease, with the hypothesis that (1) patients with CTO have higher levels of hsTn-I than patients without CTO, (2) hsTn-I levels will predict adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CTO, and (3) patients with elevated hsTn-I levels will have a survival benefit from CTO revascularization. Methods and Results In 428 patients with stable coronary artery disease and CTO undergoing coronary angiography, adverse event rates were investigated. Cox proportional hazards models and Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models were performed to determine the association between hsTn-I level and incident event rates in patients with CTO. HsTn-I levels were higher in patients with compared with those without CTO (median 6.7 versus 5.6 ng/L, P=0.002). An elevated hsTn-I level was associated with higher adverse event rates (adjusted all-cause mortality hazard ratio, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.08-1.32]; P=0.030) for every doubling of hsTn-I level. CTO revascularization was performed in 28.3% of patients. In patients with a high (>median) hsTn-I level, CTO revascularization was associated with substantially lower all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.26 [95% CI, 0.08-0.88]; P=0.030) compared with those who did not undergo revascularization. In patients with a low (<median) hsTn-I level, event rates were similar in those with and without CTO revascularization. Conclusions HsTn-I levels may help identify individuals who benefit from CTO revascularization.

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.

TCT-607 Machine Learning for Predicting Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion

TCT-607 Machine Learning for Predicting Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion

Clinical and Procedural Outcomes of IVUS-Guided vs. Angiography-Guided CTO-PCI: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Chronic total occlusions (CTO) in coronary angiographies present a significant challenge nowadays. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a valuable tool during CTO-PCI, aiding in planning and achieving procedural success. However, the impact of IVUS on clinical and procedural outcomes in CTO-PCI remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to compare IVUS-guided and angiography-guided approaches in CTO-PCI. The study included five studies and 2320 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and CTO. The primary outcome of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.40). Stent thrombosis was the only secondary clinical outcome that showed a significant difference, favoring the IVUS-guided approach (p = 0.01). Procedural outcomes revealed that IVUS-guided procedures had longer stents, larger diameters, and longer procedure and fluoroscopy times (p = 0.007, p < 0.001, p = 0.03, p = 0.002, respectively). Stent number and contrast volume did not significantly differ between the approaches (p = 0.88 and p = 0.33, respectively). In summary, routine IVUS use did not significantly improve clinical outcomes, except for reducing stent thrombosis. Decisions in CTO-PCI should be individualized based on patient characteristics and supported by a multi-parametric approach.

H-type hypertension is a risk factor for chronic total coronary artery occlusion: a cross-sectional study from southwest China

BackgroundChronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) is serious and the "last bastion" of percutaneous coronary intervention. Hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) are synergistic and significantly increase cardiovascular event risk. The relationship between H-type hypertension and CTO remains unclear; thus, this cross-sectional study investigated this potential association.MethodsBetween January 2018 and June 2022, 1446 individuals from southwest China were recruited to participate in this study. CTO was defined as complete coronary artery occlusion persisting for over three months. H-type hypertension was defined as hypertension with plasma homocysteine levels ≥ 15 µmol/L. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between H-type hypertension and CTO. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the accuracy of H-type hypertension in predicting CTO.ResultsOf the 1446 individuals, 397 had CTO, and 545 had H-type hypertension. After multivariate adjustment, the odds ratio (OR) for CTO in individuals with H-type hypertension was 2.3-fold higher (95% CI 1.01–5.26) than that in healthy controls. The risk of CTO is higher in individuals with H-type hypertension than in those with isolated HHCY and hypertension. The area under the ROC curve for CTO was 0.685 (95% CI, 0.653–0.717) for H-type hypertension.ConclusionsIn southwest China, H-type hypertension is significantly related to the occurrence of CTO.Trial registrationThis retrospective study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2100050519.2.2).

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion-Contemporary Approach and Future Directions.

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.

Contemporary Management Before Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Insights From the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program.

Guidelines recommend maximal antianginal medical therapy before attempted coronary artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The degree to which this occurs in contemporary practice is unknown. We aimed to characterize the frequency and variability of preprocedural use of antianginal therapy and stress testing within 3 months before PCI of CTO (CTO PCI) across a nationally integrated health care system. We identified patients who underwent attempted CTO PCI from January 2012 to September 2018 within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. Patients were categorized by management before CTO PCI: presence of ≥2 antianginals, stress testing, and ≥2 antianginals and stress testing within 3 months of PCI attempt. Multivariable logistic regression and inverse propensity weighting were used for adjustment before trimming, with median odds ratios calculated for variability estimates. Among 4250 patients undergoing attempted CTO PCI, 40% received ≥2 antianginal medications and 24% underwent preprocedural stress testing. The odds of antianginal therapy with more than one medication before CTO PCI did not change over the years of the study (odds ratio [OR], 1.0 [95% CI, 0.97-1.04]), whereas the odds of undergoing preprocedural stress testing decreased (OR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.93-0.99]), and the odds of antianginal therapy with ≥2 antianginals and stress testing did not change (OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.93-1.04]). Median odds ratios (MOR) showed substantial variability in antianginal therapy across hospital sites (MOR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.26-1.42]) and operators (MOR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.26-1.63]). Similarly, preprocedural stress testing varied significantly by site (MOR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.58-1.81]) and operator (MOR, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.56-2.38]). Just under half of patients received guideline-recommended management before CTO PCI, with significant site and operator variability. These findings suggest an opportunity to reduce variability in management before CTO PCI.

Long-term follow-up of patients with chronic total coronary artery occlusion previously randomized to treatment with optimal drug therapy or percutaneous revascularization of chronic total occlusion (COMET-CTO).

The COMET-CTO trial was a randomized prospective study that assessed long-term follow-up in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) in coronary arteries treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or with optimal medical therapy (OMT). During the 9-month follow-up, the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) did not differ between the two groups; no death or myocardial infarction (MI) was observed. There was a significant difference in quality of life (QoL), assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), in favor of the PCI group. Here we report long-term follow-up results (56 ± 12 months). Between October 2015 and May 2017, a total of 100 patients with CTO were randomized into two groups of 50 patients: PCI CTO or OMT group. The primary endpoint of the current study was the incidence of MACE defined as cardiac death, MI, and revascularization [PCI or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)]. As the secondary exploratory outcome, we analyzed all the cause-mortality rate. Out of 100 randomized patients, 92 were available for long-term follow-up (44 in the PCI group and 48 in the OMT group). The incidence of MACE did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.363). Individual components of MACE were distributed, respectively: cardiac death (OMT vs. PCI group, 6 vs. 3, p = 0.489), MI (OMT vs. PCI group, 1 vs. 0, p = 1), and revascularization (PCI: OMT vs. PCI group, 2 vs. 2, p = 1; CABG: OMT vs. PCI group, 1 vs. 1, p = 1). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the individual component of MACE. Six patients died from non-cardiac causes [five deaths were reported in the OMT group and one death in the PCI group (p = 0.206)]. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for MACE did not differ significantly between the study groups (log-rank 0.804, p = 0.370). Regarding the secondary exploratory outcome, a total of 15 patients died at 56 ± 12 months (11 in the OMT and 4 in the PCI group) (p = 0.093). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves for all-cause mortality rates did not differ significantly between the two groups (log rank 3.404, p = 0.065). There were no statistically significant differences between OMT and PCI groups in all five SAQ domains. There was a significant improvement in three SAQ domains in the PCI group: PL (p < 0.001), AF (p = 0.007), and QoL (p = 0.001). After 56 ± 12 months of follow-up, the incidence of MACE, as well as QoL measured by SAQ, did not differ significantly between the PCI and OMT groups.

Evaluation of Successful percutaneous coronary intervention for right coronary artery chronic total occlusion on improvement of Right ventricular systolic function and reverse remodeling

Evaluation of Successful percutaneous coronary intervention for right coronary artery chronic total occlusion on improvement of Right ventricular systolic function and reverse remodeling

Orbital Atherectomy Combined with Lithotripsy in a Right Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) can be challenging, especially if the CTOs are balloon uncrossable or balloon undilatable. We present a case illustrating that, orbital atherectomy may need to be combined with intravascular lithotripsy for CTOs that are both balloon uncrossable and undilatable.

Long-term improvement of symptoms of angina pectoris after successful revascularization of coronary artery chronic total occlusions

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.

Bifurcation lesions in the context of a PCI CTO - insight from Belgrade single center CTO registry

Background/Aim. Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of the coronary artery are still one of the most complex procedures in the treatment of coronary arteries. If there is a bifurcation lesion within the CTO, it is certainly one of the biggest challenges for interventional cardiologists. Methods. We present a retrospective analysis of patients from our center who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a bifurcation lesion within the CTO and a side branch with a diameter of 2 mm or more from January 2017 to December 2020. Results. Out of the total 216 patients in the four-year period, 38 (18%) had a bifurcation lesion within the CTO. The most common bifurcation lesions (50%) were on the left anterior descending artery, and the least frequent (21%) on the circumflex coronary artery. CTO recanalization was successful in 35 (92%) patients. The one-stent technique was used in 27 (77%) patients, while the two-stent technique was used in 8 (23%) patients. Conclusion. Bifurcation lesions in the context of PCI CTOs are a relatively common finding in coronary angiography and represent a special challenge for CTO operators. The provisional technique (one-stent technique) is the most common strategy for the treatment of bifurcation lesions in patients with CTO.