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There is limited information on use of laser in complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). We examined the impact of laser on the outcomes of balloon uncrossable and balloon undilatable chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI. We reviewed baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of 4845 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2020 at 32 centers. Of the 4845 CTO lesions, 752 (15.5%) were balloon uncrossable (523 cases) or balloon undilatable (356 cases) and were included in this analysis. Mean patient age was 66.9 ± 10 years and 83% were men. Laser was used in 20.3% of the lesions. Compared with cases in which laser was not used, laser was more commonly used in longer length occlusions (33 [21, 50] vs. 25 [15, 40] mm, p = 0.0004) and in-stent restenotic lesions (41% vs. 20%, p < 0.0001). Laser use was associated with higher technical (91.5% vs. 83.1%, p = 0.010) and procedural (88.9% vs. 81.6%, p = 0.033) success rates and similar incidence of major adverse cardiac events (3.92% vs. 3.51%, p = 0.805). Laser use was associated with longer procedural (169 [109, 231] vs. 130 [87, 199], p < 0.0001) and fluoroscopy time (64 [40, 94] vs. 50 [31, 81], p = 0.003). In a contemporary, multicenter registry balloon uncrossable and balloon undilatable lesions represented 15.5% of all CTO PCIs. Laser was used in approximately one-fifth of these cases and was associated with high technical and procedural success and similar major complication rates. [Display omitted] • Information on laser use in complex percutaneous coronary interventions is limited. • Balloon uncrossable/undilatable lesions represented 15% of chronic total occlusions. • Laser was used in approximately one-fifth of these cases. • Laser was associated with higher technical and procedural success rates. • Laser was associated with similar major cardiac complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in octogenarians and nonagenarians have received limited study. Methods: We compared in‐hospital outcomes of CTO PCI between patients ≥80 vs. <80‐years‐old in 6233 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2020 at 33 U.S. and international centers. Results: There were 415 octogenarians and nonagenarians in our study (7% of the total population). Compared with younger patients, octo‐ and nonagenarians were less likely to be men (73% vs. 83.2%, p < 0.0001) and more likely to have atrial fibrillation (27% vs. 12%, p < 0.0001) and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) (43% vs. 29%, p < 0.0001). They were more likely to have CTOs with moderate/severe calcification (71% vs. 46%, p < 0.0001), but had similar mean J‐CTO scores (2.5 ± 1.3 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3, p = 0.08). They had lower technical and procedural success (82.2% vs. 86.3%, p = 0.0201; 80.3% vs. 84.8%, p = 0.016, respectively) and higher incidence of in‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (3.4% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.021). On multivariable analysis PCI in octo‐ and nonagenarians was not independently associated with technical and procedural success or with in‐hospital MACE. Conclusion: CTO PCI is feasible in octo‐ and nonagenarians, although success rates are lower, and the risk of complications is higher compared with younger patients, likely related to more comorbidities and higher coronary lesion complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), sometimes non-CTO lesions are also treated. We compared the clinical and procedural characteristics and outcomes of CTO PCIs with and without concomitant treatment of a non-CTO lesion in a contemporary multicenter CTO registry. Of the 3598 CTO PCIs performed at 21 centers between 2012 and 2018, 814 (23%) also included PCI of at least one non-CTO lesion. Patients in whom non-CTO lesions were treated were older (65 ± 10 vs. 64 ± 10 years, p = 0.03), more likely to present with an acute coronary syndrome (32% vs. 23%, p < 0.01), and less likely to undergo PCI of a right coronary artery (RCA) CTO (46% vs. 58%, p < 0.01). The most common non-CTO lesion location was the left anterior descending artery (31%), followed by the circumflex (29%) and the RCA (25%).Combined non-CTO and CTO-PCI procedures had similar technical (88% vs. 87%, p = 0.33) and procedural (85% vs. 85%, p = 0.74) success and major in-hospital complication rates (3.4% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.23), but had longer procedure duration (131 [88, 201] vs. 117 [75, 179] minutes, p < 0.01), higher patient air kerma radiation dose (3.0 [1.9, 4.8] vs. 2.8 [1.5, 4.6] Gray, p < 0.01) and larger contrast volume (300 [220, 380] vs. 250 [180, 350] ml, p < 0.01). Combined CTO PCI with PCI of non-CTO lesions is associated with similar success and major in-hospital complication rates compared with cases in which only CTOs were treated, but requires longer procedure duration and higher radiation dose and contrast volume. • In 23% of CTO PCI cases at least one non-CTO PCI takes place. • Combined CTO plus non-CTO PCIs had similar success and in-hospital MACE rates compared with only-CTO PCIs. • Combined cases, however, had longer procedure duration, and higher radiation dose and contrast volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has emerged as a novel technique for the treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions. We evaluated the mechanism and efficacy of IVL in facilitating optimal stent implantation in heavily calcified coronary lesions using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Forty-six patients were initially enrolled as a part of the Disrupt CAD III study. Of these, 33 had pre-IVL, 24 had post-IVL, and 44 had post-stent IVUS evaluation. The final analysis was performed on 18 patients who had IVUS images interpretable at all three intervals. The primary endpoint was increase in minimum lumen area (MLA) from pre-IVL to post-IVL treatment to post-stenting. Pre-IVL, MLA was 2.75 ± 0.84 mm2, percent area stenosis was 67.22 % ± 20.95 % with maximum calcium angle of 266.90° ± 78.30°, confirming severely calcified lesions. After IVL, MLA increased to 4.06 ± 1.41 mm2 (p = 0.0003), percent area stenosis decreased to 54.80 % ± 25.71 % (p = 0.0009), and maximum calcium angle decreased to 239.40° ± 76.73° (p = 0.003). There was a further increase in MLA to 6.84 ± 2.18 mm2 (p < 0.0001) and decrease in percent area stenosis to 30.33 % ± 35.08 % (p < 0.0001) post-stenting with minimum stent area of 6.99 ± 2.14 mm2. The success rate of stent delivery, implantation, and post-stent dilation was 100 % post-IVL. In this first study evaluating the mechanism of IVL using IVUS, the primary endpoint of increase in MLA from pre-IVL to post-IVL treatment to post-stenting was successfully achieved. Our study showed that the use of IVL-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with improved vessel compliance, facilitating optimal stent implantation in de novo severely calcified lesions. • We evaluated mechanism of intravascular lithotripsy using intravascular ultrasound. • Primary endpoint, increase in MLA from pre-IVL to post-stenting, was met. • We showed that the use of IVL-assisted PCI improves vessel compliance. • This facilitates optimal stent implantation in de novo severely calcified lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a considerable risk of complications, and risk stratification is of utmost importance. To assess the clinical usefulness of the recently developed PROGRESS-CTO (NCT02061436) complication risk scores in an independent cohort. Individual patient data pooled analysis of 3 registries was performed. Of the 4569 patients who underwent CTO PCI, 102 (2.2%) had major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Patients with MACE were older (69 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 10, p < 0.001), more likely to have a history of prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and unfavorable angiographic characteristics J-CTO score (2.4 ± 1.2 vs. 2.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.007), including blunt stump (59% vs. 49%, p = 0.047). Technical success was lower in patients with MACE (59% vs. 86%, p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the PROGRESS-CTO complication risk models were as follows: MACE 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–0.76), mortality 0.73 (95% CI, 0.61–0.85), and pericardiocentesis 0.69 (95% CI, 0.62–0.77) in the validation dataset. The observed complication rates increased with higher PROGRESS-CTO complication scores. The PROGRESS-CTO MACE score showed good calibration in this external cohort, with MACE rates similar to the original study: 0.7% (score 0–1), 1.5% (score 2), 2.2% (score 3), 3.8% (score 4), 4.9% (score 5), 5.8% (score 6–7). Given the good discriminative performance, calibration, and ease of calculation, the PROGRESS-CTO complication scores could help assess the risk of complications in patients undergoing CTO PCI. • We evaluated the PROGRESS-CTO complication risk scores in an individual patient data pooled analysis of 3 CTO PCI registries. • The c-statistic of the models were 0.72, 0.73, and 0.69 for MACE, mortality, and pericardiocentesis, respectively. • The use of the PROGRESS-CTO complication risk should be considered to facilitate risk-benefit assessment in CTO PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Balloon uncrossable lesions are defined as lesions that cannot be crossed with a balloon after successful guidewire crossing. Methods: We analyzed the association between balloon uncrossable lesions and procedural outcomes of 8671 chronic total occlusions (CTOs) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed between 2012 and 2022 at 41 centers. Results: The prevalence of balloon uncrossable lesions was 9.2%. The mean patient age was 64.2 ± 10 years and 80% were men. Patients with balloon uncrossable lesions were older (67.3 ± 9 vs. 63.9 ± 10, p < 0.001) and more likely to have prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (40% vs. 25%, p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (50% vs. 42%, p < 0.001) compared with patients who had balloon crossable lesions. In-stent restenosis (23% vs. 16%. p < 0.001), moderate/severe calcification (68% vs. 40%, p < 0.001), and moderate/severe proximal vessel tortuosity (36% vs. 25%, p < 0.001) were more common in balloon uncrossable lesions. Procedure time (132 (90, 197) vs. 109 (71, 160) min, p < 0.001) was longer and the air kerma radiation dose (2.55 (1.41, 4.23) vs. 1.97 (1.10, 3.40) min, p < 0.001) was higher in balloon uncrossable lesions, while these lesions displayed lower technical (91% vs. 99%, p < 0.001) and procedural (88% vs. 96%, p < 0.001) success rates and higher major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rates (3.14% vs. 1.49%, p < 0.001). Several techniques were required for balloon uncrossable lesions. Conclusion: In a contemporary, multicenter registry, 9.2% of the successfully crossed CTOs were initially balloon uncrossable. Balloon uncrossable lesions exhibited lower technical and procedural success rates and a higher risk of complications compared with balloon crossable lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preprocedural coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) can be useful in procedural planning for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We examined the clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics and outcomes of cases with vs. without preprocedural CCTA in PROGRESS-CTO (NCT02061436). Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors. Of 7034 CTO PCI cases, preprocedural CCTA was used in 375 (5.3%) with increasing frequency over time. Patients with preprocedural CCTA had a higher prevalence of prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (39% vs. 27%, p < 0.001) and angiographically unfavorable characteristics including higher prevalence of proximal cap ambiguity (52% vs. 33%, p < 0.001) and moderate/severe calcification (59% vs. 41%, p < 0.001) compared with those without CCTA. CCTA helped resolve proximal cap ambiguity in 27%, identified significant calcium not seen on diagnostic angiography in 18%, changed estimated CTO length by >5 mm in 10%, and was performed as part of initial coronary artery disease work up in 19%. CCTA cases had higher J-CTO (2.6 ± 1.2 vs. 2.3 ± 1.3, p < 0.001) and PROGRESS-CTO (1.3 ± 1.0 vs. 1.2 ± 1.0 p = 0.027) scores. After adjusting for potential confounders, cases with preprocedural CCTA had similar technical success (odds ratio [OR]: 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–1.67) and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (OR: 1.47, 95% CI, 0.72–3.00). Preprocedural CCTA was used in ~5% of CTO PCI cases. While CCTA may help with procedural planning, especially in complex cases, technical success and MACE were similar with or without CCTA. • Of the 7,034 CTO PCI procedures performed between 2012-2022, preprocedural CCTA was used in 375 (5.3%). • CCTA helped resolve proximal cap ambiguity in 27%, identified calcium in 18%, and changed the estimated CTO length in 10%. • On multivariable analysis preprocedural CCTA was not associated with technical success or major adverse cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence, treatment, and outcomes of balloon undilatable lesions encountered in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have received limited study. We examined the clinical characteristics and procedural outcomes of balloon undilatable lesions in the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of CTO Intervention (PROGRESS-CTO, NCT02061436). Of 6535 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2022, 558 (8.5%) lesions were balloon undilatable. In this subset, patients were older (mean age 67 ± 10 vs. 64 ± 10, p < 0.001) and had higher prevalence of comorbidities: diabetes mellitus (54% vs. 40%, p < 0.001), prior PCI (71% vs. 59%, p < 0.001), prior myocardial infarction (52% vs. 45%, p = 0.003), and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (44% vs. 25%, p < 0.001). The CTO lesion length was estimated to be 34 ± 23 mm, mean J-CTO score was 2.9 ± 1.1 and mean PROGRESS-CTO score was 1.4 ± 1.0. A cutting balloon was used in 27%, a scoring balloon in 15%, laser in 14%, rotational atherectomy in 28%, orbital atherectomy in 10%, intravascular lithotripsy in 1% and other modalities/approaches in 5%. Balloon undilatable lesions had lower technical success (90.9% vs. 93.8%, p = 0.007) and higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (composite of in-hospital death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, re-PCI, emergency CABG, and pericardiocentesis) (5.0% versus 1.3%, p < 0.001). Approximately 1 in 12 CTO (8.5%) lesions are balloon undilatable. Treatment of balloon undilatable lesions is associated with lower technical success and higher in-hospital MACE. • Approximately 1/12 chronic total occlusion (8.5%) lesions are balloon undilatable • Balloon undilatable lesions had lower technical success (90.9% vs. 93.8%, p = 0.007) • Balloon undilatable lesions had higher MACE (5.0% versus 1.3%, p < 0.001) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A hybrid approach to chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) prioritizing and combining all available crossing techniques was developed to optimize procedural efficacy, efficiency, and safety, but there is limited published data on its outcomes. Methods We examined the procedural techniques and outcomes of 1036 consecutive CTO PCIs performed using a hybrid approach between 2012 and 2015 at 11 US centers. Results Mean age was 65 ± 10 years and 86% of the patients were men, with a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (43%) and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (34%). Most target CTOs were located in the right coronary artery (59%), followed by the left anterior descending artery (23%) and the circumflex (19%). Dual injection was used in 71%. Technical success was achieved in 91% and a major procedural complication occurred in 1.7% of cases. The final successful crossing technique was antegrade wire escalation in 46%, antegrade dissection/re-entry in 26%, and retrograde in 28%. The initial crossing strategy was successful in 58% of the lesions, whereas 39% required an additional approach. Overall, antegrade wire escalation was used in 71%, antegrade dissection/re-entry in 36%, and the retrograde approach in 42% of procedures. Median contrast volume, fluoroscopy time, and air kerma radiation dose were 260 (200–360) ml, 44 (27–72) min, and 3.4 (2.0–5.4) Gray, respectively. Conclusion Application of a hybrid approach to CTO crossing resulted in high success and low complication rates across a varied group of operators and hospital practice structures, supporting its expanding use in CTO PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To describe the national trends and outcomes of contemporary thrombectomy use for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 2016 to 2018.Methods: We queried the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) from January 2016 to December 2018 to identify patients who underwent primary PCI and thrombectomy. We conducted a multivariate regression analysis to identify variables associated with in-hospital mortality and stroke in patients undergoing primary PCI and those who underwent thrombectomy.Results: We identified 409,910 total hospitalizations who underwent primary PCI. Thrombectomy was used in 62,446 records (15.2%) with no change in the trend over the study period (p trend = 0.52). Thrombectomy was more utilized in patients who had more cardiogenic shock and use of mechanical circulatory devices. The overall incidence of in-hospital mortality and stroke were 5.6% and 1.1%, respectively. The incidence of in-hospital mortality (6.7% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001) and strokes (1.3% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001) were higher in the thrombectomy group. On multivariable regression analysis adjusting for high-risk features, thrombectomy was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality [1.036, 95% CI (0.993-1.080), p = 0.100], but was associated with a higher risk of stroke [OR 1.186, 95% CI (1.097-1.283), p < 0.001].Conclusion: During primary PCI, thrombectomy was used in 1 of 6 cases, and its use has been stable over 2016-2018. The use of thrombectomy was associated with a higher risk of stroke, but not in-hospital death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) remain the most frequently used conduits in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Despite advances in surgical techniques and pharmacotherapy, SVG failure rates remain high, often leading to repeat coronary revascularization. The no-touch SVG harvesting technique (minimal graft manipulation with preservation of vasa vasorum and nerves) reduces the risk of SVG failure, whereas the effect of the off-pump technique on SVG patency remains unclear. Use of buffered storage solutions, intraoperative graft flow measurement, careful selection of the target vessels, and physiological assessment of the native coronary circulation before CABG may also reduce the incidence of SVG failure. Perioperative aspirin and high-intensity statin administration are the cornerstones of secondary prevention after CABG. Dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended for off-pump CABG and in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome. Intermediate (30%-60%) SVG stenoses often progress rapidly. Stenting of intermediate SVG stenoses failed to improve outcomes; hence, treatment focuses on strict control of coronary artery disease risk factors. Redo CABG is associated with higher perioperative mortality compared with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); hence, the latter is preferred for most patients requiring repeat revascularization after CABG. SVG PCI is limited by high rates of no-reflow and a high incidence of restenosis during follow-up. Drug-eluting and bare metal stents provide similar long-term outcomes in SVG PCI. Embolic protection devices reduce no-reflow and should be used when feasible. PCI of the corresponding native coronary artery is associated with better short- and long-term outcomes and is preferred over SVG PCI, if technically feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors developed a global chronic total occlusion crossing algorithm following 10 steps: 1) dual angiography; 2) careful angiographic review focusing on proximal cap morphology, occlusion segment, distal vessel quality, and collateral circulation; 3) approaching proximal cap ambiguity using intravascular ultrasound, retrograde, and move-the-cap techniques; 4) approaching poor distal vessel quality using the retrograde approach and bifurcation at the distal cap by use of a dual-lumen catheter and intravascular ultrasound; 5) feasibility of retrograde crossing through grafts and septal and epicardial collateral vessels; 6) antegrade wiring strategies; 7) retrograde approach; 8) changing strategy when failing to achieve progress; 9) considering performing an investment procedure if crossing attempts fail; and 10) stopping when reaching high radiation or contrast dose or in case of long procedural time, occurrence of a serious complication, operator and patient fatigue, or lack of expertise or equipment. This algorithm can improve outcomes and expand discussion, research, and collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The eSPM technique provides a treatment strategy for resistant stent underexpansion. • e-SPM technique is most helpful with fibrotic or fibrocalcific plaques. • eSPM risks should be weighed against benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our objective was to describe the contemporary outcomes of orbital atherectomy (OA) vs. rotational atherectomy (RA) use for inpatient percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the United States. Data on the use of OA vs. RA in contemporary inpatient PCI are limited. Methods: We queried the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) from January to November for the years 2016–2017 to identify hospitalizations of patients who underwent PCI with atherectomy. We conducted a multivariate regression analysis to identify variables associated with in-hospital mortality. Results: We included 77,040 records of patients who underwent inpatient PCI with atherectomy. Of those, 71,610 (93%) had RA, and 5430 (7%) had OA. There was no significant change in the trend of using OA or RA over 2016 and 2017. OA was less utilized in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (4.3% vs. 46.8%, p < 0.001). In our cohort, OA was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (3.1% vs. 5%, p < 0.001) and 30-day urgent readmission (< 0.01% vs. 0.2%, p = 0.009), but a higher risk of coronary perforation (1.7% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001) and cardiac tamponade (1% vs. 0.3%, p < 0.001) and a higher cost of index hospitalization ($28,199 vs. $23,188, p < 0.001) compared with RA. Conclusion: RA remains the predominant atherectomy modality for inpatient PCI in the United States (93%). There was no change in the trend of use for either modality over the years 2016 and 2017. OA was noted to have a lower incidence of in-hospital death, but a higher risk of coronary perforation and a higher cost of index hospitalization for the overall unmatched cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary calcification is common and increases the difficulty of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We examined the impact of calcium on procedural outcomes of 13,079 CTO PCIs performed in 12,799 patients at 46 US and non-US centers between 2012 and 2023. Moderate or severe calcification was present in 46.6% of CTO lesions. Patients whose lesions were calcified were older and more likely to have had prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Calcified lesions were more complex with higher J-CTO score (3.0 ± 1.1 vs. 1.9 ± 1.2; p < 0.001) and lower technical (83.0% vs. 89.9%; p < 0.001) and procedural (81.0% vs. 89.1%; p < 0.001) success rates compared with mildly calcified or non-calcified CTO lesions. The retrograde approach was more commonly used among cases with moderate/severe calcification (40.3% vs. 23.5%; p < 0.001). Balloon angioplasty (76.6%) was the most common lesion preparation technique for calcified lesions, followed by rotational atherectomy (7.3%), laser atherectomy (3.4%) and, intravascular lithotripsy (3.4%). The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was higher in cases with moderate or severe calcification (3.0% vs. 1.2%; p < 0.001), as was the incidence of perforation (6.5% vs. 3.4%; p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, the presence of moderate/severe calcification was independently associated with lower technical success (odds ratio, OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63–0.84) and higher MACE (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.66–3.27). Moderate/severe calcification was present in nearly half of CTO lesions, and was associated with higher utilization of the retrograde approach, lower technical and procedural success rates, and higher incidence of in-hospital MACE. • Moderate/severe calcification: • is present in nearly half of chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions • requires more frequent use of the retrograde approach • requires more frequent use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and advanced plaque modification techniques • is associated with lower technical and procedural success, and higher major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received limited study. We reviewed 3999 CTO PCIs performed in 3914 patients between 2012 and 2018 at 25 centers, 14% of whom had a history of PAD. We compared the clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of patients with versus without history of PAD. Patients with PAD were older (67 ± 9 vs 64 ± 10 years, P <.001) and had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. They also had more complex lesions as illustrated by higher Japanese CTO score (2.7 ± 1.2 vs 2.4 ± 1.3, P <.001). In patients with PAD, the final crossing technique was less often antegrade wire escalation (40% vs 51%, P <.001) and more often the retrograde approach (23 vs 20%, P <.001) and antegrade dissection/reentry (20% vs 16%, P <.001). Technical success was similar between the 2 study groups (84% vs 87%, P =.127), but procedural success was lower for patients with PAD (81% vs 85%, P =.015). The incidence of in-hospital major adverse cardiac events was higher among patients with PAD (3% vs 2%, P =.046). In conclusion, patients with PAD undergoing CTO PCI have more comorbidities, more complex lesions, and lower procedural success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occasionally during chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) non-CTO lesions are also treated. We sought to examine the impact of non-CTO PCI when performed at the time of CTO PCI. Methods: We compared the clinical and procedural characteristics and outcomes of CTO PCIs with and without concomitant treatment of non-CTO lesion in a contemporary multicenter CTO registry. Results: Of the 3,598 CTO PCIs performed at 21 centers between 2012 and 2018, 817 (22.7%) also included PCI of non-CTO lesion. Patients in whom non-CTO lesions were treated were older (65 ± 10 vs. 64 ± 10 years, p=0.024), more likely to present with an acute coronary syndrome (32% vs. 23%, p<0.0001), and less likely to undergo PCI of a right coronary artery CTO (46% vs. 58%, p<0.0001). The most common non-CTO lesion location was the left anterior descending artery (31%), followed by left circumflex (29%) and right coronary artery (25%). CTO lesions in patients who underwent both CTO and non-CTO PCI at the same procedure had lower J-CTO score (2.3±1.3 vs. 2.4±1.3, p=0.04). Combined non-CTO and CTO-PCI procedures had similar technical (88% vs. 87%, p=0.315) and procedural (86% vs. 85%, p=0.670) success and major in-hospital complication rates (MACE) (3.4% vs. 2.7%, p=0.232) (Figure), but had longer duration (155±99 vs. 136±82 minutes, p<0.0001), higher patient air kerma radiation dose (3.6±2.3 vs. 3.3± 2.4 Gray, p=0.016) and larger contrast volume (314±136 vs. 273±130 ml, p<0.0001) compared with CTO PCI only procedures. Conclusions: Combined CTO PCI with PCI of non-CTO lesions is associated with similar success and major in-hospital complication rates compared with cases in which only CTOs were treated, but at the expense of longer procedure duration and higher radiation dose and contrast volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) evolves rapidly over time. The hybrid approach to CTO PCI is a crossing algorithm that emphasizes dual coronary injection, structured review of the angiogram, and change of crossing strategies in case of failure. Methods: We analyzed the contemporary outcomes from the PROGRESS CTO registry by analyzing the clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics of 3,571 CTO interventions performed in 3,503 patients enrolled between 2012 and 2018 at 21 centers. Results: Mean patient age was 65±10 years and 85% of the patients were men. A high prevalence of diabetes (42%), heart failure (31%), prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (32%), prior myocardial infarction (47%), and prior PCI (65%) was observed. The most common CTO target vessel was the right coronary artery (56%), left anterior descending artery (24%), and left circumflex artery (19%). Mean J-CTO and PROGRESS-CTO scores were 2.4±1.3 and 1.3±1.0, respectively. The final successful crossing strategy was antegrade wire escalation in 53%, retrograde in 27%, and antegrade dissection re-entry in 20%. The initial crossing strategy was successful in 56%, however using multiple approaches (Figure), the overall technical and procedural success rate was 87% and 85%, respectively. In-hospital major complications were 2.9%, and consisted of death [0.8%], acute myocardial infarction [1.0%], stroke [0.3%], tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis [0.9%], emergency surgery [0.1%] and repeat PCI [0.3%]. Median contrast volume, air kerma radiation dose, procedure and fluoroscopy time were 260 (194-350) ml, 2.8 (1.6-4.7) Gray, 120 (78-184) and 46 (28-76) minutes, respectively. Conclusions: The hybrid approach to CTO PCI is associated with high overall success and acceptable complication rates in diverse patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The retrograde approach is critical for achieving high success rates in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We compared the clinical, angiographic and procedural outcomes of retrograde (n=1,350) vs. antegrade-only CTO PCIs (n=2,221) in a contemporary multicenter CTO registry. Results: The mean age of patients undergoing retrograde PCI was 65±10 years and 86% were men, with high prevalence of prior myocardial infarction (51%), prior PCI (71%), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (45%). CTO target vessels with the retrograde approach was the right coronary artery (68%), left anterior descending artery (16%), and left circumflex artery (15%). Lesions undergoing retrograde attempt were longer (42±27 mm vs 28±19 mm, p<0.001), and more likely to have proximal cap ambiguity (54% vs 25%), distal cap at bifurcation (47% vs 25%), diseased distal target vessel (46% vs 24%, p<0.001), and interventional collaterals (79% vs 45%, p<0.001), as compared with antegrade-only cases. The mean J-CTO (3±1 vs 2±1 p<0.001) and PROGRESS CTO complication score (4±2 vs 2±2, p<0.001) was higher in retrograde PCIs. The most commonly used collateral channels were septals (61%), epicardials (33%), saphenous venous grafts (13%) and left internal mammary artery grafts (2%). As lesion complexity increased, successful retrograde crossing was more frequently needed (Figure). The overall technical (81% vs 91%, p<0.001) and procedural (77% vs 90%, p<0.001) success rates were lower with retrograde approach, and patients had higher in-hospital major complications rate than antegrade-only PCIs (5.6% vs 1.1%, p<0.001), due to higher in-hospital mortality (1.5% vs. 0.3%, p<0.001), acute myocardial infarction (2.1% vs 0.3%, p<0.001), repeat PCI (0.7% vs 0.1%, p<0.001), and tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis (1.7% vs 0.3%, p<0.01). Conclusions: The retrograde approach to CTO PCI is commonly required among more complex lesions, which likely explains why it is associated with lower procedural success and higher complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have improved because of advancements in equipment and techniques. With global collaboration and knowledge sharing, we have identified 7 common principles that are widely accepted as best practices for CTO-PCI.  1. Ischemic symptom improvement is the primary indication for CTO-PCI.  2. Dual coronary angiography and in-depth and structured review of the angiogram (and, if available, coronary computed tomography angiography) are key for planning and safely performing CTO-PCI.  3. Use of a microcatheter is essential for optimal guidewire manipulation and exchanges.  4. Antegrade wiring, antegrade dissection and reentry, and the retrograde approach are all complementary and necessary crossing strategies. Antegrade wiring is the most common initial technique, whereas retrograde and antegrade dissection and reentry are often required for more complex CTOs.  5. If the initially selected crossing strategy fails, efficient change to an alternative crossing technique increases the likelihood of eventual PCI success, shortens procedure time, and lowers radiation and contrast use.  6. Specific CTO-PCI expertise and volume and the availability of specialized equipment will increase the likelihood of crossing success and facilitate prevention and management of complications, such as perforation.  7. Meticulous attention to lesion preparation and stenting technique, often requiring intracoronary imaging, is required to ensure optimum stent expansion and minimize the risk of short- and long-term adverse events. These principles have been widely adopted by experienced CTO-PCI operators and centers currently achieving high success and acceptable complication rates. Outcomes are less optimal at less experienced centers, highlighting the need for broader adoption of the aforementioned 7 guiding principles along with the development of additional simple and safe CTO crossing and revascularization strategies through ongoing research, education, and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]