Successful opening in-stent chronic total occlusion lesion of coronary artery by excimer laser coronary angioplasty

In percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), chronic total occlusion (CTO) coronary artery disease still remains difficult to treat. One of the reasons for the failure is the hard of the CTO lesions that balloon is difficult to pass through or expand. Previous methods to deal with CTO lesions that cannot be passed by balloon, include selecting reinforced catheter (such as 5 in 6 guiding catheter, Guidzilla catheter, or Tornus microcatheter), guidewire extrusion or rotary grinding technology. In recent years, excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) has been gradually applied to CTO lesions. Using inert halide as the laser medium, ELCA emits a 308 nm high-intensity unidirectional light wave with absorption depth of only 50 μmL, resulting in less thermal effect and less damage to non-target lesions. In this paper, we will describe a successful PCI case of an in-stent CTO lesion using ELCA with long term coronary angiography follow-up.

Long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for in-stent chronic total occlusion

Background:The development of the technique has improved the success rate of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)for instent chronic total occlusion(IS-CTO).However,long-term outcomes remain unclear.The present study sought to investigate long-term outcomes of PCI for IS-CTO.Methods:A total of 474 IS-CTO patients were enrolled at two cardiac centers from 2015 to 2018 retrospectively.These patients were allocated into either successful or failed IS-CTO PCI groups.The primary endpoint(major adverse cardiac events[MACE])consisted of recurrent angina pectoris(RAP),target-vessel myocardial infarction(MI),heart failure,cardiac death,or ischemia-driven target-vessel revascularization(TVR)at follow-up.Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the association between treatment appropriateness and clinical outcomes.Results:A total of 367 patients were successfully treated with IS-CTO PCI while 107 patients had failed recanalization.After a median follow-up of 30 months(interquartile range:17-42 months),no significant difference was observed between the two groups for the following parameters:cardiac death(successful PCIvs.failed PCI:0.9%vs.2.7%;adjusted hazard ratio[HR]:1.442;95%confidence interval[CI]:0.21-9.887;P=0.709),RAP(successful PCIvs.failed PCI:40.8%vs.40.0%;adjusted HR:1.025;95%CI:0.683-1.538;P=0.905),heart failure(successful PCIvs.failed PCI:6.1%vs.2.7%;adjusted HR:0.281;95%CI:0.065-1.206;P=0.088),target-vessel related MI(successful PCIvs.failed PCI:1.5%vs.2.7%;adjusted HR:1.150;95%CI:0.221-5.995;P=0.868),MACE(successful PCIvs.failed PCI:44.2%vs.45.3%;adjusted HR:1.052;95%CI:0.717-1.543;P=0.797).More patients were free of angina in the successful IS-CTO PCI group compared with failed PCI in the first(80.4%vs.60%,P<0.01)and second years(73.3%vs.60.0%,P=0.02)following up.Successful IS-CTO PCI had a lower incidence of MACE in the first and second years(20.2%vs.40.0%,P<0.01;27.9%vs.41.3%,P=0.023)compared with failed PCI.After a median follow-up of 30 months,the reocclusion rate was 28.5%and TVR was 26.1%in the successful IS-CTO PCI group.Receiving>18 months of dual antiplatelet therapy(DAPT)was an independent predictor of decreased risk of TVR(HR:2.682;95%CI:1.295-5.578;P=0.008)or MACE(without TVR)(HR:1.898;95%CI:1.036-3.479;P=0.038)in successful IS-CTO PCI.Conclusions:After a median follow-up of 30 months,the successful IS-CTO PCI group had MACE similar to that of the failed PCI group.However,the successful IS-CTO PCI group had improved angina symptoms and were free from requiring coronary artery bypass grafting in the first or second years.To decrease MACE,DAPT was found to be essential and recommended for at least 18 months for IS-CTO PCI.

Long-term outcomes of staged recanalization for concurrent chronic total occlusion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background In patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),approximately 10%are concomitant with a chronic total occlusion(CTO)in a non-culprit vessel.However,the impact of staged CTO recanalization on prognosis in this cohort remains disputable.This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of staged CTO recanalization versus medical therapy in patients with STEMI after primary PCI.Methods Between January 2005 and December 2016,a total of 287 patients were treated with staged CTO-PCI(n=91)or medical therapy(n=196)after primary PCI in our center.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event(MACCE),defined as a composite of all-cause death,nonfatal myocardial infarction(MI),stroke or unplanned revascularization.After propensity-score matching,77 pairs of well-balanced patients were identified.Results The mean follow-up period was 6.06 years.Overall,the incidence of the primary endpoint of MACCE was significantly lower in staged CTO-PCI group than that in medical therapy group in both overall population(22.0%vs.46.9%;hazard ratio(HR)=0.48,95%CI:0.29-0.77)and propensity-matched cohorts(22.1%vs.42.9%;HR:0.48,95%CI:0.27-0.86).In addition,staged CTO-PCI was also associated with reduced risk of the composite of cardiac death,nonfatal MI or stroke compared with medical therapy in both overall population(9.9%vs.26.5%;hazard ratio(HR)=0.39,95%CI:0.19-0.79)and propensity-matched cohorts(9.1%vs.22.1%;HR:0.40,95%CI:0.16-0.96).After correction of the possible confounders,staged CTO-PCI was independently associated with reduced risks of MACCE(adjusted HR:0.46,95%CI:0.28-0.75),the composite of cardiac death,nonfatal MI or stroke(adjusted HR:0.45,95%CI:0.22-0.94)and all-cause mortality(adjusted HR:0.32,95%CI:0.13-0.83).Moreover,the results of sensitivity analysis were almost concordant with the overall analysis.Conclusions In patients with STEMI and a concurrent CTO who undergo primary PCI,successful staged recanalization of CTO in the non-culprit vessels is associated with better clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up.

Determinants of percutaneous coronary intervention success in repeat chronic total occlusion procedures following an initial failed attempt

AIM To investigate the rates and determinants of success of repeat percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) following an initial failed attempt at recanalising the chronic total occlusions(CTO) percutaneously.METHODS In 445 consecutive first attempt CTO-PCI procedures in our institution,procedural failure occurred in 149(33.5%). Sixty-four re-PCI procedures were performed in 58 patients(39%) all had a single CTO. Procedural and outcome data in the re-PCI population was entered into the institutional database. A retrospective analysis of clinical,angiographic and procedural data was performed. RESULTS Procedural success was achieved in 41(64%) procedures. Univariate analysis of clinical and angiographic characteristics showed that re-PCI success was associated with intravascular ultrasound(IVUS) guidance(19.5% vs 0%,P = 0.042),while failure was associated with severecalcification(30.4% vs 9.7%,P = 0.047) and a JCTO score > 3(56.5% vs 17.1% P = 0.003). Following multiple regression analysis the degree of lesion complexity(J-CTO score > 3),IVUS use,involvement of an experienced CTO operator and LAD CTO location were significant predictors of successful re-PCI. Overall the complication rate was low,with the only MACCE two periprocedural MI's neither of which required intervention. CONCLUSION Re-PCI substantially increases the overall success rate of CTO revascularization. Predictors of re-PCI success included the use of IVUS,the involvement of an experienced CTO operator in the repeat attempt and the location of the CTO.

Modified subintimal plaque modification improving future recanalization of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention

Background Subintimal plaque modification(SPM) is often performed to restore antegrade flow and facilitate subsequent lesion recanalization. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of modified SPM with traditional SPM. Methods A total of 1454 consecutive patients who failed a chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention(CTO PCI) attempt and underwent SPM from January 2015 to December 2019 at our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Fifty-four patients who underwent SPM finally were included in this study. We analyzed the outcomes of all the patients, and the primary endpoint was recanalization rate, which was defined as Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction(TIMI) grades 2-3 flow on angiography 30 to 90 days post-procedure. Results The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. In the follow-up, the recanalization rate was noticeably higher in the modified SPM group compared with the traditional SPM group(90.9% vs. 62.5%, P < 0.05). The proposed strategy in the modified group was more aggressive, including a larger balloon size(1.83 ± 0.30 vs. 2.48 ± 0.26 mm, P < 0.05) and longer subintimal angioplasty(0.59 ± 0.16 vs. 0.92 ± 0.12 mm, P < 0.05). Also, the common use of a Stingray balloon and guide catheter extension resulted in improvement of patients in the modified SMP group(12.5% vs. 100%, P < 0.05). Conclusion Modified SPM, which is associated with a high likelihood of successful recanalization, is an effective and safe CTO PCI bail out strategy.

Five-year clinical outcomes of first-generation versus second-generation drug-eluting stents following coronary chronic total occlusion intervention

Background There are limited data comparing long-term clinical outcomes between first-generation (1G) and second-generation (2G) drug-eluting stents (DESs) in patients who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesion. Methods A total of 840 consecutive patients who underwent PCI with DESs for CTO lesion from January 2004 to November 2015 were enrolled. Finally, a total of 324 eligible CTO patients received 1G-DES (Paclitaxel-eluting stent or Sirolimus-eluting stent, n = 157) or 2G-DES (Zotarolimus-eluting stent or Everolimus-eluting stent, n = 167) were enrolled. The clinical endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI), total repeat revascularization [target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), and non-TVR]. We investigated the 5-year major clinical outcomes between 1G-DES and 2G-DES in patient who underwent successful CTO PCI. Results After propensity score matched (PSM) analysis, two well-balanced groups (111 pairs, n = 222, C-statistic = 0.718) were generated. Up to the 5-year follow-up period, the cumulative incidence of all-cause death, re-MI, TLR, TVR and non-TVR were not significantly different between the two groups. Finally, MACE was also similar between the two groups (HR = 1.557, 95% CI: 0.820–2.959, P = 0.176) after PSM. Conclusions In this study, 2G-DES was not associated with reduced long-term MACE compared with 1G-DES following successful CTO revascularization up to five years.

Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion

Coronary artery chronic total occlusion(CTO)is defi ned as an occluded coronary artery segment without anterograde fl ow for at least three months.It can be classified as a“true”or“functional”CTO based on flow characteristics.In“true”CTO,there is no anterograde flow.In“functional”CTO,there is minimal anterograde flow through the occluded segment of the coronary artery.CTO is a common fi nding during coronary angiography and its prevalence may vary depending on the reported literature.Among patients without previous coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG),CTO is found in about 20–30% of the patients.CTO may develop insidiously over a period of time and involve a complex interplay between intracellular and extracellular factors,smooth muscle and foam cells,calcifi cation,and neovascularization.There is a growing body of evidence to support that CTO revascularization may improve clinical outcome when compared to medical management.Both the European and American cardiovascular societies support CTO revascularization with a class 2a recommendation(level of evidence B).Historically,due to low procedural success rate,apparent ineffi cient resource utilization,potential increase in complication rates and uncertain clinical benefi ts,only about 10–20%of patients with CTO are treated with percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Recent advances using novel and innovative techniques with dedicated equipment have signifi cantly improved the procedural success rate for CTO PCI to about 90%in the hands of experienced operators.With increasing interest in CTO PCI coupled with increased educational effort,CTO PCI likely will become more accessible to patients in need of CTO revascularization.Ongoing advancement in innovative techniques and equipment will continue to improve procedural success rates and reduce procedural complication rate for CTO PCI.Furthermore,there are a number of prospective clinical trials on the horizon which should help defi ne the clinical benefi ts and limitations of CTO PCI in the near future.

Chronic total occlusion:To treat or not to treat

Over the last two decades,there has been increasing interest in new techniques for the percutaneous treatment of coronary chronic total occlusions(CTO),which have a success rate that is much higher than that of a few years ago.The rise in percutaneous treatment for these lesions is due to its ability to improve the symptoms and prognosis of patients in the chronic and stable phase of coronary disease.Current data suggest that successful percutaneous coronary intervention for CTO is associated with improvement in patient symptoms,quality of life,left ventricular function,and survival,compared with those with unsuccessful CTO PCI.However,all the scientific evidence supporting this treatment comes from observational studies,and no randomized study comparing percutaneous treatment with medical treatment has yet been published.A major limitation of these studies is their observational design,with limited information with regard to potential baseline differences between the successful vs unsuccessful cohorts.Pending randomized studies,patients should be selected very carefully,especially if they are asymptomatic or very few symptoms,and the benefits obtained in terms of complications during the procedure,the quality of life obtained and further ischemic events avoided should be evaluated systematically.In this review,we will consider the available information supporting percutaneous treatment for chronic occlusions,as well as the areas of uncertainty where more research projects are required.

Intravascular ultrasound guided retrograde guidewire true lumen tracking technique for chronic total occlusion intervention

Chronic total occlusion （CTO） occurs in approximately 20% known coronary atherosclerotic lesions, and CTO intervention has become a most challenging work. Although retrograde techniques have been applied and significantly increased the success rate of CTO intervention, there are still some CTOs that cannot be opened.

Various Scoring Systems for Predicting Revascularization of Chronic Coronary Total Occlusion by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Successful revascularization of chronic total occlusion (CTO) by percutaneous?coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) compared with CTO PCI failure. The developments of new strategies and new devices have improved the success rate of CTO PCI. However, the complexity of CTO lesions, clinical characteristics of patients and operator experience highly determine the successful revascularization. Using search items,?“chronic total occluion”,?“percutaneous coronary intervention”,?“scoring systems”,?“predictablity”.?We searched Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI. We found six clinically used scoring systems from 2011 to 2018. They included J-CTO score, CT-RECTOR score, CL score, PROGRESS CTO score, ORA score, and Ellis score. All parameters of each scoring systems have been systematically reviewed. The patients with higher score have found to have?adecreased?probability of CTO recanalization. Ellis score that mainly focused on ambiguous proximal cap and hybrid approach seems to provide better predictability in deciding procedure strategy.

A new buddy stingray and stick technique for antegrade dissection and re-entry during chronic total occlusion recanalization: a case report

Although the retrograde approach was a promising strategy for chronic total occlusions(CTO)-percutaneous coronary interventions(PCI),[1]with the development of coronary interventional therapy technology and interventional instruments,antegrade dissection and re-entry(ADR)are commonly employed in PCI to open CTO of coronary arteries.

Intravascular ultrasound-guided “extended” reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking technique using a cutting balloon for recanalizing chronic coronary total occlusion with a side branch

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO) represents the most technically challenging procedure in contemporary interventional cardiology.[1] Blunt lesions and presence of proximal side branch are considered to be strong predictors of reduced technical success.[ 2,3] For such lesions, the antegrade approach may not be feasible or desirable, and the retrograde approach can be used as the initial crossing strategy. However, when treating the blunt CTO with a large side branch proximal to the occlusion, the side branch might be occluded after stent implantation if the retrograde guidewire passed the occluded segment through the subintimal space and re-entered into the true lumen at the opposite side of the side branch.[4] We reported a useful method to solve the above issue which utilizes intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to guide “extended” reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking (CART) technique with a cutting balloon.

Optimal use of fielder XT guidewire enhances the success rate of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND Chronic total occlusion(CTO) is found in 18-31% of patients who undergo coronary angiography. Successful recanalization of CTOs is associated with reduced recurrent angina pectoris rates and increased long-term survival.Although the success rate of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention(CTO-PCI)has improved, CTO-PCI remains technically challenging. The Fielder XT guidewire was designed for CTO lesions. To validate whether the use of the guidewire increases the success rate, we compared the results of CTO-PCI with or without the guidewire. We hypothesized that the use of Fielder XT guidewire can increase the success rate of CTO-PCI.AIM To investigate whether the use of Fielder XT guidewire increases the final procedural success of CTO-PCI via the anterograde approach.METHODS Between January 2013 and December 2015, a retrospective study was conducted on 1230 consecutive patients with CTO who received PCI via the anterograde approach at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command. The patients were divided into an XT Group(n = 686) and a no-XT Group(n = 544) depending on whether Fielder XT guidewire was used. Both groups were compared for clinical parameters, lesion-related characteristics, procedural outcomes and inhospital complications. The data were statistically analyzed using Pearson's χ~2 test for categorical variables, and Students' t test was used to compare the quantitative data. Significant independent factors and a risk ratio with 95%confidence interval(CI) were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS In total, 1230 patients were recruited; 75.4% of the patients were male, and 55.8%of the patients were in the XT group. The overall success rate was 83.9%, with87.8% in the XT group. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors positively associated with procedural success were the use of Fielder XT guidewire(P = 0.005, 95%CI: 1.172-2.380) and systolic blood pressure(P = 0.011,95%CI: 1.003-1.022), while factors negatively associated with procedural success were blunt stump(P = 0.013, 95%CI: 1.341-11.862), male sex(P = 0.016, 95%CI:0.363-0.902), New York Heart Association(NYHA) class(P = 0.035, 95%CI: 0.553-0.979), contrast amount(P = 0.018, 95%CI: 0.983-0.998) and occlusion time(P =0.009, 95%CI: 0.994-0.999). No significant differences were found between the XT group and the no-XT group with respect to clinical parameters, lesion-related characteristics, coronary artery rupture [3(0.4%) vs 8(1.5%), P = 0.056], inhospital death [2(0.3%) vs 6(1.1%), P = 0.079] or in-hospital target lesion revascularization [3(0.4%) vs 7(1.3%), P < 0.099]. However, there were significant differences between the groups with respect to success rate [602(87.8%) vs 430(79.0%), P < 0.001], procedure time [(74 ± 23) vs(83 ± 21), P < 0.001], stent length[(32.0 ± 15.8) vs(37.3 ± 17.6), P < 0.001], contrast amount [(148 ± 46) vs(166 ± 43),P < 0.001], post-PCI myocardial infarction [43(6.3%) vs 59(10.8%), P = 0.004],major adverse cardiovascular event [44(6.4%) vs 57(10.7%), P = 0.007], side branch loss [31(4.5%) vs 44(8.1%), P = 0.009], contrast-induced nephropathy [29(4.2%) vs 40(7.4%), P = 0.018] and no reflow [8(1.2%) vs 14(2.9%), P = 0.034].CONCLUSION The use of Fielder XT guidewire shortens the Procedure and increases the success rate of CTO-PCI, and is also associated with reduced complication rates.

Percutaneous Intervention of CTO Lesion and Non-CTO Lesion in Patients with Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion

Background: With the improved lifestyle of people, the incidence of coronary artery disease is gradually increasing. Approximately 15% - 20% of patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization had one or more chronically occluded coronary arteries. Method: The patients who were diagnosed with chronic total occlusion (CTO) in our hospital within one year period have been included. They were initially divided into two groups based on angiographic reports: single vessel disease (SVD) and non-single vessel disease (non-SVD) group, then into optimal medical therapy (OMT) group, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) group and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) group.?Finally, PCI group is further divided into PCI of CTO lesion (CTO PCI group) and PCI?of non-CTO lesion (non-CTO PCI group). Results: A total of 261 patients were enrolled as CTO patients, mean age was 62.83 years, 70.1% were male patients.?The incidence rate of common risk factors was hypertension (64.4%), followed by smoking (48.3%), diabetes (34.5%) and hyperlipidaemia (27.2%).?SVD, DVD and TVD were present in 39 patients (14.94%), 81 patients (31.03%)?and 141 patients (54.02%) respectively. Comparing the long term efficacy, the rates of MACE and non-target vessel revascularization were higher in CTO PCI than non-CTO PCI group, and were statistically significant (p s of target vessel revascularization, CABG and all cause death were also lower in CTO PCI group, but were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The rates of MACE, non-target vessel revascularization, CABG and all cause death are lower if PCI is successfully performed in CTO patients. CTO PCI success also improves quality of life, decreases myocardial ischemia induced angina, and overall improves long term efficacy.

Chronic total occlusions for intermediate volume operators: An antegrade step-up algorithm allows high success in easy and intermediate difficult CTO lesions

To improve the success rates of chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention, a large range of CTO-dedicated guidewires (GWs), devices and techniques have been developed. However, such an abundant choice of materials confuses inexperienced operators. Therefore, the usefulness of a simple antegrade treatment algorithm with a limited set of GWs, for easy to intermediate lesions, was investigated. Between November 2011 and March 2013, 105 patients were included, who underwent CTO PCI following the algorithm. Lesions were classified according to the Multicenter CTO Registry of Japan score. Overall technical success was achieved in 77%. Study endpoint was successful GW crossing within 30 min and was reached in 57%. High success rates were achieved in easy (81%) and intermediate (64%) lesion types. In both types, a soft wire could successfully cross in 57% and 51% respectively, with the Fielder XT&reg;?(Asahi Intecc Co.) capable of crossing most commonly (90%). The proposed treatment algorithm simplifies the percutaneous treatment of easy to intermediate CTO lesions. However, it merits further evaluation, especially for operators/centers who perform a low to intermediate amount of CTO PCI.

Improved Angina Symptoms Following Coronary Sinus Flow Reducer Implantation in a Patient with Refractory Angina and Chronic Total Occlusion: A Case Report

Background: Due to the aging population and increased survival of the patients with coronary artery disease, there is an increasing number of patients with debilitating angina refractory to optimal medical treatment who are not candidates for revascularization. In case of low ischemic load, the treatment of stable refractory angina is aimed at symptom reduction. There are several new treatment methods targeting myocardial ischemia available, including coronary sinus flow reducer (CFR) implantation. Case Report: We report a case of a patient suffering from CCS class IV angina despite optimal medical therapy, with further revascualrization options exhausted, who was successfully treated with coronary sinus flow reducer (CFR). Besides technical skill to reach ostium of coronary sinus, the most important technical tip is precise positioning of the CFR. The reduction of angina symptoms started after epithelisation of CFR frame, usually 6 - 7 weeks after implantation. At 6-month follow-up, the patient reported a marked reduction of angina symptoms, with CCS grade improving by three classes (from IV to I). At 10-month follow-up, the sustainment of CCS grade I angina symptoms was reported by the patient. Conclusions: We conclude that CFR can be safely and successfully implanted in patients suffering from refractory angina. Considerable improvements in CCS grade may be experienced in certain cases.

Chronic total occlusion revascularization:A complex piece to"complete"the puzzle

Treatment of coronary chronic total occlusion(CTO)with percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)has rapidly increased during the past decades.Different strategies and approach were developed in the recent past years leading to an increase in CTO-PCI procedural success.The goal to achieve an extended revascularization with a high rate of completeness is now supported by strong scientific evidences and consequently,has led to an exponential increase in the number of CTO-PCI procedures,even if are still underutilized.It has been widely demonstrated that complete coronary revascularization,achieved by either coronary artery bypass graft or PCI,is associated with prognostic improvement,in terms of increased survival and reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events.The application of“contemporary”strategies aimed to obtain a state-of-the-art revascularization by PCI allows to achieve long-term clinical benefit,even in highrisk patients or complex coronary anatomy with CTO.The increasing success of CTO-PCI,allowing a complete or reasonable incomplete coronary revascularization,is enabling to overcome the last great challenge of interventional cardiology,adding a“complex”piece to“complete”the puzzle.

Effects of Tirofiban and Nicorandil on Effective Reperfusion and the Levels of IL-4 and sICAM-1 After PCI for Chronic Coronary Total Occlusion

Aim:The effects of tirofiban combined with nicorandil on effective reperfusion,and the levels of interleukin-4(IL-4)and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)for chronic coronary total occlusion(CTO)were investigated.Method:From January 1,2017,to June 31,2019,a total of 40 patients with CTO receiving PCI in Shandong Qian-foshan Hospital were randomly divided into a control group(treated with single tirofiban)and a cocktail group(treated with nicorandil combined with tirofiban).Effective reperfusion was compared between groups.In addition,differences in coronary serum IL-4 and sICAM-1 levels before and 10 min after the operation were compared between groups,and the incidence rates of adverse reactions were observed.Finally,patient follow-up occurred at 1 month and 6 months,and the total incidence rates of adverse cardiac events in both groups were assessed.Results:The levels of IL-4 and sICAM-1 in the cocktail group significantly decreased after the operation(P<0.05).In addition,after the operation,significantly greater decreases in the IL-4 and sICAM-1 levels were observed in the cocktail group than the control group(P<0.05).The Seattle Angina Scale(SAQ)score of the cocktail group,compared with the control group,showed a significant improvement after vessel opening in the patients with CTO.At the 1-month follow-up,the SAQ score of the cocktail group,compared with the control group,indicated further improvements in terms of angina attack frequency.No significant differences were observed in the incidence rates of adverse reactions between groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The treatment of patients with CTO undergoing PCI with nicorandil and tirofiban alleviated the inflam-matory response,improved the SAQ scores,and decreased the occurrence of angina pectoris in patients.Moreover,this treatment is safe and reliable,and has important clinical significance.

A simple practical balloon anchoring technique within the guide catheter for chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary artery

Dear Editor： Chronic total occlusions （CTOs） of the coronary artery are commonly encountered complex lesionst11. Percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） for CTO is technically challenging due to low procedural success ratesTM. Microcatheter is one of the important devices for treatment of CTOTM. It has been widely used attributed to the excellent crossability whenever angula- tion and tortuousity of the coronary artery is encoun- tered. In the process, the microcatheter has to be withdrawn from the guide wire after the wire is proved to locate in the true lumen.

Medical therapy vs early revascularization in diabetics with chronic total occlusions:A meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND Management of chronic total occlusions(CTO)in diabetics is challenging,with a recent trend towards early revascularization[ER:Percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)and bypass grafting]instead of optimal medical therapy(OMT).We hypothesize that ER improves morbidity and mortality outcomes in diabetic patients with CTOs as compared to OMT.AIM To determine the long term clinical outcomes and to compare morbidity and mortality between OMT and ER in diabetic patients with CTOs.METHODS Potentially relevant published clinical trials were identified in Medline,Embase,chemical abstracts and Biosis(from start of the databases till date)and pooled hazard ratios(HR)computed using a random effects model,with significant P value<0.05.Primary outcome of interest was all-cause death.Secondary outcomes included cardiac death,prompt revascularization(ER)or repeat myocardial infarction(MI).Due to scarcity of data,both Randomized control trials and observational studies were included.4 eligible articles,containing 2248 patients were identified(1252 in OMT and 1196 in ER).Mean follow-up was 45-60 mo.RESULTS OMT was associated with a higher all-cause mortality[HR:1.70,95%confidence interval(CI):0.80-3.26,P=0.11]and cardiac mortality(HR:1.68,95%CI:0.96-2.96,P=0.07).Results were close to significance.The risk of repeat MI was almost the same in both groups(HR:0.97,95%CI:0.61-1.54,P=0.90).Similarly,patients assigned to OMT had a higher risk of repeat revascularization(HR:1.62,95%CI:1.36-1.94,P<0.00001).Sub-group analysis of OMT vs PCI demonstrated higher all-cause(HR:1.98,95%CI:1.36-2.87,P=0.0003)and cardiac mortality(HR:1.87,95%CI:0.96-3.62,P=0.06)in the OMT group.The risk of repeat MI was low in the OMT group vs PCI(HR:0.53,95%CI:0.31-0.91,P=0.02).Data on repeat revascularization revealed no difference between the two(HR:1.00,95%CI:0.52-1.93,P=1.00).CONCLUSION In diabetic patients with CTO,there was a trend for improved outcomes with ER regarding all-cause and cardiac death as compared to OMT.These findings were reinforced with statistical significance on subgroup analysis of OMT vs PCI.