Coronary Total Occlusion Research Articles

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).

Outcome of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients Stratified by Pre-Clinical Loading with Aspirin and Heparin: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has a high prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease and total coronary occlusion. Consequently, these patients are frequently loaded with antiplatelets and anticoagulants before hospital arrival. However, OHCA patients have multiple non-cardiac causes and high susceptibility for bleeding. In brief, there is a gap in the evidence for loading in OHCA patients. Objective: The current analysis stratified the outcome of patients with OHCA according to pre-clinical loading. Material and Methods: In a retrospective analysis of an all-comer OHCA registry, patients were stratified by loading with aspirin (ASA) and unfractionated heparin (UFH). Bleeding rate, survival to hospital discharge and favorable neurological outcomes were measured. Results: Overall, 272 patients were included, of whom 142 were loaded. Acute coronary syndrome was diagnosed in 103 patients. One-third of STEMIs were not loaded. Conversely, 54% with OHCA from non-ischemic causes were pretreated. Loading was associated with increased survival to hospital discharge (56.3 vs. 40.3%, p = 0.008) and a more favorable neurological outcome (80.7 vs. 62.6% p = 0.003). Prevalence of bleeding was comparable (26.8 vs. 31.5%, p = 0.740). Conclusions: Pre-clinical loading did not increase bleeding rates and was associated with favorable survival. Overtreatment of OHCA with non-ischemic origin, but also undertreatment of STEMI-OHCA were documented. Loading without definite diagnosis of sustained ischemia is debatable in the absence of reliable randomized controlled data.

Effect of infarct size on the risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic total coronary occlusion

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The presence of an untreated chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) is associated with a higher risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). This increased risk may be modulated by the presence of existing scar. We hypothesize that a larger scar size is associated with a higher risk of VA. Objectives To evaluate whether infarct size is associated with VA in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and an untreated CTO. Methods In this retrospective study we included patients with an untreated CTO that received an ICD between 2005 and 2014. Infarct size was estimated using the Selvester QRS score on a baseline 12-lead ECG. The primary endpoint was any appropriate ICD therapy. Results Our study population comprised 148 patients (mean age at implantation 64 ± 10 years, 87% men) with an ICD and an untreated CTO. The median infarct size at baseline was 18% (IQR, 9-27%). Patients with a larger scar size (≥18%) more often had a CTO location in the LAD, higher proportion of LVEF <35%, and less hypertension and hypercholesterolemia compared to patients with a smaller infarct size (<18%). During a median follow-up of 35 months (interquartile range [IQR], 8-60 months), 42 patients (28%) received appropriate ICD therapy. The cumulative 5-year event rate was higher in the patients with a large infarct size (≥18%) in comparison to those with a smaller infarct size (<18%) (36% versus 19%, logrank P = 0.038, Figure). Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that a larger infarct size (≥18%) and a secondary prevention indication were independent factors associated with appropriate ICD therapy. The adjusted hazard ratio of large infarct size (≥18%) for appropriate ICD therapy was 2.34 (95% CI 1.20-4.58, p=0.01). Conclusion In ICD recipients with an untreated CTO, a larger scar size is an independent factor associated with an increased risk of VA.

P111 RADIAL ACCESS FOR THE PERCUTANEOUS TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CORONARY OCCLUSIONS: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Abstract Background In the last years the improvement of interventional techniques for the treatment of coronary total occlusions (CTO) trough percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) allowed a significant increase of the number and success rate of these procedures. At the same time, transradial access is increasingly being used for CTO–PCI even though there are concerns about its efficacy in this setting because of the higher procedural complexity. Aim of our study was to review the procedural success of all the CTO–PCI performed in our center according to the vascular access utilized. Methods We retrospectively evaluated all the CTO–PCI performed in our center from January 2018 to December 2019. These procedures were divided in two groups according to the vascular access employed: all femoral access procedures (Group 1) or procedures with at least one radial access (Group 2). The primary end–point of the study was the procedural success. Major procedural complications, the duration of the procedure and the volume of contrast used were also evaluated. Results A total of 66 CTO procedures have been performed: 15 procedures in Group 1 (66 ± 14 years, 80% males) and 51 in Group 2 (66 ± 9 years; 80% males, P= NS). In Group 2, 14 procedures were performed using only radial access whereas in 38 procedures a combination of radial and femoral access have been utilized. There were no significant differences in the main cardiovascular risk factors between the two groups. In Group 2, 5 procedures were performed by retrograde approach while in Group 1 all procedures were performed by antegrade approach. There were no significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of contrast volume used (376 ± 137 mL and 345 ± 101 mL respectively, P=0.40) or in terms of procedure time duration (132 ± 49 min and 149 ± 71 min respectively, p=0.13). Procedural success was similar in the two groups: 86% in Group 1 and 80% in Group 2 ( P=0.86). There was one only major clinical complications in group 1 ( one stroke) and no complications in Group 2. Conclusion In our experience, the use of radial access alone or in combination with a single femoral access is safe and effective to perform CTO–PCI.

Occlusion of the infarct-related coronary artery presenting as acute coronary syndrome with and without ST-elevation: impact of inflammation and outcomes in a real-world prospective cohort.

Patients with ST-segment elevation typically feature total coronary occlusion (TCO) of the infarct-related artery (IRA) on angiography, which may result in worse outcomes. Yet, relying solely on electrocardiogram (ECG) findings may be misleading and those presenting with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACSs) may have TCO as well. Herein, we aimed to delineate clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with ACS stratified by IRA location. A total of 4787 ACS patients were prospectively recruited between 2009 and 2017 in SPUM-ACS (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01000701). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke at 1 year. Multivariable-adjusted survival models were fitted using backward selection. A total of 4412 ACS patients were included in this analysis, 56.0% (n=2469) ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 44.0% (n=1943) NSTE-ACS. The IRA was the right coronary artery (RCA) in 33.9% (n=1494), the left-anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in 45.6% (n=2013), and the left circumflex (LCx) in 20.5% (n=905) patients. In STEMI patients, TCO (defined as TIMI 0 flow at angiography) was observed in 55% of cases with LAD, in 63% with RCA, and in 55% with LCx. In those presenting with NSTE-ACS, TCO was more frequent in those with LCx and RCA as compared to the LAD (27 and 24%, respectively, vs. 9%, P<0.001). Among patients with NSTE-ACS, occlusion of the LCx was associated with an increased risk of MACE during 1 year after the index ACS (fully adjusted hazard ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.10-2.59, P=0.02; reference: RCA and LAD). Features of patients with NSTE-ACS associated with TCO of the IRA included elevated lymphocyte and neutrophil counts, higher levels of high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, lower eGFR, and notably a negative history of MI. In NSTE-ACS, both LCx and RCA involvement was associated with TCO at angiography despite the absence of ST-segment elevation. Involvement of the LCx, but not the LAD or RCA, as the IRA represented an independent predictor of MACE during 1-year follow-up. Hs-CRP, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts were independent predictors of total IRA occlusion, suggesting a possible role of systemic inflammation in the detection of TCO irrespective of ECG presentation.

Safety and Efficiency of Rotational Atherectomy in Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion-One-Year Clinical Outcomes of an Observational Registry.

The study sought to assess the procedural success of rotational atherectomy (RA) in coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) and to investigate the in-hospital and one-year outcomes following RA. From 2015 to 2019, patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for CTO (CTO PCI) were retrospectively included into the hospital database. The primary endpoint was procedural success. Secondary endpoints were in-hospital and one-year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral event (MACCE) rates. During the study period of 5 years, 2.789 patients underwent CTO PCI. Patients treated with RA (n = 193, 6.92%) had a significantly higher procedural success (93.26% vs. 85.10%, p = 0.0002) compared to those treated without RA (n = 2.596, 93.08%). Despite a significantly higher rate of pericardiocentesis (3.11% vs. 0.50%, p = 0.0013) in the RA group, the in-hospital and one-year MACCE rate was similar in both groups (4.15% vs. 2.77%, p = 0.2612; 18.65% vs. 16.72%, p = 0.485). In conclusion, RA is associated with higher procedural success for CTO PCI, but has higher risks for pericardial tamponade than CTO PCI without the need for RA. Nevertheless, in-hospital and one-year MACCE rates did not differ in-between both groups.

Anemia and periprocedural complications determine contrast-associated acute kidney injury after recanalization of chronic coronary occlusions in chronic kidney disease.

Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a potential risk associated with the percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO) particularly with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The determinants of CA-AKI in patients with pre-existing CKD in an era of advanced strategies of CTO recanalization techniques need to be considered for a risk evaluation of the procedure. A consecutive cohort of 2504 recanalization procedures for a CTO between 2013 and 2022 was analyzed. Of these, 514 (20.5%) were done in patients with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min based on the most recently used CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation). The rate of patients classified to have CKD would be lower with 14.2% using the Cockcroft-Gault equation, and 18.1% using the modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. The technical success was high with 94.9% and 96.8% (p = 0.04) between patients with and without CKD. The incidence of CA-AKI was 9.9% versus4.3% (p < 0.001). The major determinants of CA-AKI in patients with CKD were the presence of diabetes and a reduced ejection fraction, as well as periprocedural blood loss, whereas a higher baseline hemoglobin and the use of the radial approach prevented CA-AKI. In patients with CKD CTO PCI could be performed successfully at a higher cost of CA-AKI. Correcting preprocedural anemia and avoiding intraprocedural blood loss may reduce the incidence of CA-AKI.

Hyperinsulinemia Impaired Coronary Collateral Circulation in Patients with Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion.

Hyperinsulinemia impaired cardiovascular system and endothelial function in the population. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between hyperinsulinemia and coronary collateral circulation in patients with chronic total coronary occlusion. Patients with stable angina and at least one total coronary occlusion were enrolled in this study. Collateral grade was determined according to Rentrop's classification. Patients were divided into a good coronary collateral circulation (CCC) group (grade 2 or 3 collateral vessels, n = 223) and a poor CCC group (grade 0 or 1 collateral vessels, n = 115). Fasting insulin level (FINS) and fasting glucose level (FBS) were measured. Endothelial function evaluated by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Serum FINS level was significantly increased in the poor CCC group (P < 0.01). Patients in the poor CCC group had higher levels of FBS, HbA1C, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) than patients in the good CCC group. The poor CCC group also had lower levels of FMD, lower LVEF and higher syntax scores than the good CCC group. Hyperinsulinemia (T3, FINS ≥15.22 μIU/mL) increased OR for the incidence of the poor CCC group (OR 2.419, 95% CI 1.780-3.287) in multivariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression also revealed that diabetes, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, HDL-C and Syntax score were independent predictors of poor CCC (all P < 0.05). Hyperinsulinemia is a valuable predictor of poor collateral formation in patients with chronic total coronary occlusion.

Impact of Percutaneous Intervention Compared to Pharmaceutical Therapy on Complex Arrhythmias in Patients With Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion. Rationale and Design of the CTO-ARRHYTHMIA Study

Chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO) occur in up to 50 % of patients with coronary artery disease by angiography. In CTO-patients, clinically significant arrhythmia is potentially important and insufficiently investigated. Therefore, the purpose of the CTO-ARRHYTHMIA study was to investigate the incidence of loop recorder detected clinically significant arrhythmias and the effect on arrhythmias of revascularization by CTO-PCI.The study is an independent sub-study of the NOrdic-Baltic Randomized Registry Study for Evaluation of PCI in Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion (NOBLE-CTO); ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03392415. NOBLE-CTO prospectively collects procedural data, quality of life measures, echocardiographic and cardiac MRI findings before and after treatment as well as clinical outcomes in all CTO patients that may be treated by PCI.

Morphological Aspects and Treatment Strategies for Chronic Total Occlusions of the Coronary Arteries.

Coronary total occlusions are routinely found in patients suffering from chronic coronary artery disease. Their prevalence is between 20-50% and is higher in patients with prior coronary artery bypass surgery. Patients with CTOs have a higher risk profile, higher Syntax scores and in approximately 80% of the cases, a multi-vessel disease. Advances in technology that supports CTO-PCI and the increasing operator experience in high volume centers has raised important questions about the revascularization strategy. In the majority of cases, the treatment strategy for this group of patients should aim at achieving full revascularization. In this context CABG should be considered the first choice and percutaneous coronary intervention can be considered for patients with less advanced disease. It is not clear, whether successful CTO revascularization (CABG or PCI) have an impact on long-term outcomes. For these reasons, the treatment of patients in the presence of CTOs should be based on the current evidence on the treatment of multivessel coronary disease.

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.

The relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and total coronary artery occlusion: a cross-sectional study from Southwest China.

Increasing evidence points to hyperhomocysteinemia as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease in addition to traditional cardiovascular risks, but few have studied the association between hyperhomocysteinemia and total coronary artery occlusion (TCAO). To understand the risk factors for TCAO, we investigated the potential relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and TCAO, and the interactions between cardiovascular risk factors and hyperhomocysteinemia. A total of 890 adult patients from Southwest China participated in this cross-sectional study between February 2018 and February 2021. TCAO was defined as complete occlusion of more than one of the 15 coronary segments. Hyperhomocysteinemia was defined as serum homocysteine levels ≥15 μmol/L. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and TCAO. The relationship between homocysteine as a continuous variable and TCAO was also analyzed. Subgroup analyses by sex, age, weight, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were done, and interactions between subgroup variables and hyperhomocysteinemia were performed. Individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia showed an increased risk for TCAO. The adjusted odds ratio for TCAO in individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia was 1.74 (95% confidence interval, 1.28-2.36). When analyzed as a continuous variable, homocysteine was associated with an increased risk for TCAO. Subgroup analysis showed that the association between hyperhomocysteinemia and TCAO was statistically significant in men, elderly, overweight, smokers, and non-diabetic people. Interaction analysis showed no significant interactions between hyperhomocysteinemia and group variables. In Southwest China, hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly associated with TCAO. This association was particularly significant in men, elderly, overweight, smokers, and non-diabetic people.

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.

578 LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA CATHETER ABLATION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CORONARY TOTAL OCCLUSION

Abstract Background Chronic coronary total occlusions (CTO) are considered an emerging predictor of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) but currently there are only few data on arrhythmic outcomes in patients affected by CTO undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of VAs. Objective This study sought to evaluate the impact of unrevascularized CTO on the recurrence of VAs after catheter ablation. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study that enrolled 120 patients, between 2015 and 2020. All patients were admitted for ventricular tachycardia (VT) or high premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) burden (&amp;gt;25% detected by Holter ECG), without evidence of acute coronary syndrome; they underwent coronary angiography, electrophysiology (EP) study and three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping (3D-EAM) followed by VAs ablation. Results Twenty-eight patients (23%) of 120 patients showed CTO at coronary angiography. At baseline, CTO group presented with higher prevalence of hypertension, chronic renal disease, systolic ventricular dysfunction, secondary prevention ICD implantation, higher rate of low abnormal activities by 3D-EAM compared to the non-CTO group. At a median follow-up of 15 months (range 1-96 months) after catheter ablation, the only independent predictor of VAs recurrence was the presence of moderate to severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (p=0.02). Conclusion The presence of CTO does not predict VAs recurrence after catheter ablation which is instead predicted by LV dysfunction.

521 IMPACT OF CORONARY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY DERIVED “FULL MOON“ CALCIFICATIONS IN CHRONIC TOTAL OCCLUSION PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTIONS (CTO-PCI)

Abstract Background There is an increasing incidence of chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO). CTO are complex coronary lesions and known to represent a technical challenge for percutaneous recanalization procedures. However, the success rates of CTO- percutaneous coronary interventions (CTO-PCI) have increased tremendously with the continuous innovations in equipment and procedural techniques. Circular heavily calcified “Full Moon”- like plaques have been observed in CTO patients, however their frequency and relevance for CTO-PCI outcomes remain unclear, despite they can be straightforward identified by Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA) during CT-scans to select the CTO-PCI recanalization strategy. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical value of CCTA – derived “Full Moon”-like plaques and to analyze its impact on percutaneous CTO recanalization. Methods and Results Out of the Charité CTO-PCI registry a total of 29 consecutive patients undergoing CTO-PCI and upstream CCTA-imaging for CTO planning were enrolled into the entire analysis. One patient was excluded due to stent artefacts with insufficient CCTA quality. Within the study cohort 17.9% (n=5) presented a “Full Moon”-like stenosis as CTO-causing target lesion. During CTO-PCI all these lesions (100%) required extensive debulking techniques as rotablation or ultrasound lithoplasty due to difficulties in device crossing compared to 13% (n=3) lesions in the non “Full Moon” group (p&amp;lt;0.001). In detail, 40% of lesions in the “Full Moon” group had to be prepared by rotablation-therapy (compared to 0% in the non- “Full Moon” group; p&amp;lt;0.05) and 20% of lesions underwent shockwave therapy as compared to 13% non- “Full Moon” lesions (n=3; p=.0.69). However, 40% of the “Full Moon” interventions resulted in a complete failure of crossing the device compared to 13.0% in the non- “Full Moon” group (p=0.15). Conclusions : “Full Moon”- like calcification derived by CCTA represents a frequently observed phenomenon in CTO and represents an important predictor for complexity during CTO-PCI. Coronary Computed Tomography can be used to identify such a marker of calcium complexity and therefore to plan the procedure in advance.

Mid-Term Outcome of Ventricular Arrhythmias Catheter Ablation in Patients with Chronic Coronary Total Occlusion Compared to Ischemic and Non-Ischemic Patients.

Chronic coronary total occlusions (CTO) are considered an emerging predictor of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), but currently there are few data on arrhythmic outcomes in patients affected by CTO undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of VAs. This study sought to evaluate the impact of unrevascularized CTO on the recurrence of VAs after catheter ablation. This was a single-center retrospective study enrolling 120 patients between 2015 and 2020. All patients were admitted for ventricular tachycardia (VT) or high premature ventricular contractions burden (>25% detected by Holter ECG), without evidence of acute coronary syndrome; they underwent coronary angiography, electrophysiology (EP) study, and three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping (3D-EAM) followed by VAs ablation. Twenty-eight patients (23%) of 120 patients showed CTO at coronary angiography. At baseline, the CTO group presented with higher prevalence of hypertension, chronic renal disease, systolic ventricular dysfunction, secondary prevention ICD implantation, and higher rate of LAVA by 3D-EAM compared with the non-CTO group. At a median follow-up of 15 months (range 1−96 months) after catheter ablation, the only independent predictor of VAs recurrence was the presence of moderate to severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Therefore, the presence of CTO does not predict VAs recurrence after catheter ablation, which is instead predicted by LV dysfunction.

Clinical and electrocardiographic features in acute total left main coronary artery occlusion without collateral circulation

BackgroundsStudy concerning the clinical features, electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and outcomes in patients presenting with acute total occlusion of left main coronary artery (LM) without collateral circulation is limited. Methods25 patients with acute total LM occlusion without collateral circulation by emergency coronary angiography, from muti-center registry, were retrospectively studied. The clinical and angiographic characteristics, ECG and in-hospital mortality were reviewed. ResultsNineteen patients (76%) presented with cardiogenic shock. Twelve (60%, 12/20) patients had coronary slow flow or no reflow phenomenon after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The in-hospital mortality rate was 88% (n = 22). All the patients presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial ischemia (STEMI) pattern, mostly involving leads I, aVL, V2, V3, V4, V5 and ST-segment depression in leads II, III and aVF. ConclusionsAcute total LM occlusion without collateral circulation portends high in-hospital mortality. Anterior ST elevation in the precordial leads from V2 to V4 through V6, and ST elevation in leads I and aVL, accompanying with ST depression in the inferior leads is associated with acute total LM occlusion without collateral circulation.

Early and long-term prognosis in patients with remaining chronic total occlusions after revascularization attempt. A cohort study from the SKEJ-CTO registry

Objectives The present study aimed to compare safety and long-term prognosis of patients with chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO) stratified for remaining CTOs after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Design The study cohort consisted of patients with coronary artery disease who underwent CTO PCI in a high volume tertiary center from 2009 to 2019 and were registered in Danish high-quality registers. Patients with successful PCI of all CTOs were compared to patients with ≥1 remaining CTO post-procedural. Primary endpoints were analysed using Cox-regression and Kaplan-Meier estimates, and included all-cause mortality, major adverse cardio- and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and a 30-day safety endpoint. Results Procedural success rate was 87.7%, and 76.5% of patients had all CTO(s) opened post-PCI. Safety endpoint occurred in 4.6% of patients, and more frequently in patients with remaining CTO(s) (RD 4.9, 95%CI 0.1, 9.8). All-cause mortality was higher in patients with remaining CTO(s) (Unadjusted HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03, 2.47, p = .015. Adjusted HR 1.32, 95%CI 0.88–1.99, p = .18) after eight years of follow-up. Risk of MACCE was significantly higher in patients with remaining CTO(s) (Unadjusted HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.34–2.41, p < .001. Adjusted HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.11–2.05, p = .009). Conclusions In our centre, CTO PCI was associated with high success rate and low risk of 30-days complications. Presence of remaining CTO(s) after final revascularization attempt was associated with higher but statistically insignificant long-term mortality but was an independent predictor of MACCE.

International randomized trial on the effect of revascularization or optimal medical therapy of chronic total coronary occlusions with myocardial ischemia - ISCHEMIA-CTO trial – rationale and design

Chronic total occlusions (CTO) are frequent among patients with coronary artery disease. Revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is safe and feasible in experienced hands. However, randomized data are needed to demonstrate symptomatic as well as prognostic effect of CTO-PCI compared to optimal medical therapy alone. This trial aims to evaluate the effect of CTO PCI in patients with a CTO lesion and target vessel diameter ≥ 2.5 mm, and myocardial ischemia in the relevant territory. First, all patients are subjected to optimal medical therapy (OMT) for at least for 3 months and non-CTO lesions are managed according to guidelines. Subsequently, prior to randomization myocardial ischemia and quality of life (Seattle Questionnaire (SAQ)) is assessed. Patients are divided into two cohorts based on their SAQ score and randomized to either OMT alone or OMT and CTO-PCI. Cohort A is defined as Low- or asymptomatic patients with a quality-of-life score > 60 and/or CCS class < 2, and more than 10 % ischemia in the left ventricle (LV). Cohort B is symptomatic patients with a quality-of-life score < 60 or CCS class angina > 1 and at least ischemia in 5% of the LV. The primary end-point in cohort A is a composite of major adverse cardiac and cerebral events, hospitalization for heart failure and malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The primary endpoint in cohort B is difference in quality of life 6 months after randomization. This trial is designed to investigate if CTO-PCI improves QoL and MACCE. Both positive and negative outcome of the trial will affect future guidelines and recommendations on how to treat patients with CTO.

Management of coronary artery perforations during chronic total coronary occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention

Management of coronary artery perforations during chronic total coronary occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention