External validation of the PROGRESS-CTO complication risk scores: Individual patient data pooled analysis of 3 registries.

BACKGROUND: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a considerable risk of complications, and risk stratification is of utmost importance. AIMS: To assess the clinical usefulness of the recently developed PROGRESS-CTO (NCT02061436) complication risk scores in an independent cohort. METHODS: Individual patient data pooled analysis of 3 registries was performed. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSION: 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.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can improve patient symptoms, but it remains controversial whether it impacts subsequent clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we queried PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases (last search: September 15, 2021). We investigated the impact of CTO-PCI on clinical events including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), stroke, subsequent coronary artery bypass surgery, target-vessel revascularization, and heart failure hospitalizations. Pooled analysis was performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 58 publications with 54,540 patients were included in this analysis, of which 33 were observational studies of successful vs failed CTO-PCI, 19 were observational studies of CTO-PCI vs no CTO-PCI, and 6 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In observational studies, but not RCTs, CTO-PCI was associated with better clinical outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality, MACE, and MI were 0.52 (95% CI, 0.42-0.64), 0.46 (95% CI, 0.37-0.58), 0.66 (95% CI, 0.50-0.86), respectively for successful vs failed CTO-PCI studies; 0.38 (95% CI, 0.31-0.45), 0.57 (95% CI, 0.42-0.78), 0.65 (95% CI, 0.42-0.99), respectively, for observational studies of CTO-PCI vs no CTO-PCI; 0.72 (95% CI, 0.39-1.32), 0.69 (95% CI, 0.38-1.25), and 1.04 (95% CI, 0.46-2.37), respectively for RCTs. CONCLUSIONS: CTO-PCI is associated with better subsequent clinical outcomes in observational studies but not in RCTs. Appropriately powered RCTs are needed to conclusively determine the impact of CTO-PCI on clinical outcomes.

Retrograde CTO-PCI Using an Internal Thoracic Bypass Graft Segment in a Patient with Acute Inferior ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock.

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the "culprit" artery is the recommended mechanical reperfusion strategy in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). As PCI of bypass grafts may be associated with higher risks and lower procedural success rates, in patients with a history of previous coronary artery surgery, PCI directed at revascularization of the native vessels should be considered, but this may be difficult in the setting of a chronically occluded artery. Case Presentation: A patient with a history of multivessel coronary artery disease and a chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the right coronary artery (RCA) requiring arterial bypass surgery, presented with an acute inferior STEMI and cardiogenic shock. It was felt that shock was caused by the acute thrombotic occlusion of a right internal thoracic artery (RITA) bypass graft that had been sequentially anastomosed to the left circumflex (LCx) and right coronary arteries. Despite initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the patient remained in refractory shock and acute revascularization of the right coronary artery was performed through the RITA bypass segment using antegrade access to the graft through the LCx and then a retrograde approach to open a CTO of the RCA. After successful revascularization, the patient was successfully weaned from ECMO. Over 12 months of follow-up, the patient did well and was documented to have improved left ventricular systolic function. Conclusion: This report is the first to document the successful use of a retrograde approach through an arterial graft segment to revascularize a chronic total occlusion in the setting of acute STEMI and cardiogenic shock.

Device entrapment during percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Device entrapment is a life-threatening complication during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the success for its management is predominantly based on operator experience with limited available guidance in the published literature. METHODS: A systematic review was performed on December 2021; we searched PubMed for articles on device entrapment during PCI. In addition, backward snowballing (i.e., review of references from identified articles and pertinent reviews) was employed. RESULTS: A total of 4209 articles were retrieved, of which 150 studies were included in the synthesis of the data. A methodical algorithmic approach to prevention and management of device entrapment can help to optimize outcomes. The recommended sequence of steps are as follows: (a) pulling, (b) trapping, (c) snaring, (d) plaque modification, (e) telescoping, and (f) surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In-depth knowledge of the techniques and necessary tools can help optimize the likelihood of successful equipment retrieval and minimization of complications.

Global Chronic Total Occlusion Crossing Algorithm: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

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.

In-Stent CTO Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Individual Patient Data Pooled Analysis of 4 Multicenter Registries.

OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to examine the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for in-stent restenosis (ISR) chronic total occlusions (CTOs). BACKGROUND: The outcomes of PCI for ISR CTOs have received limited study. METHODS: The authors examined the clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of 11,961 CTO PCIs performed in 11,728 patients at 107 centers in Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia between 2012 and 2020, pooling patient-level data from 4 multicenter registries. In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) included death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and tamponade. Long-term MACE were defined as the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. RESULTS: ISR represented 15% of the CTOs (n = 1,755). Patients with ISR CTOs had higher prevalence of diabetes (44% vs. 38%; p < 0.0001) and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (27% vs. 24%; p = 0.03). Mean J-CTO (Multicenter CTO Registry in Japan) score was 2.32 ± 1.27 in the ISR group and 2.22 ± 1.27 in the de novo group (p = 0.01). Technical (85% vs. 85%; p = 0.75) and procedural (84% vs. 84%; p = 0.82) success was similar for ISR and de novo CTOs, as was the incidence of in-hospital MACE (1.7% vs. 2.2%; p = 0.25). Antegrade wiring was the most common successful strategy, in 70% of ISR and 60% of de novo CTOs, followed by retrograde crossing (16% vs. 23%) and antegrade dissection and re-entry (15% vs. 16%; p < 0.0001). At 12 months, patients with ISR CTOs had a higher incidence of MACE (hazard ratio: 1.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.70; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: ISR CTOs represent 15% of all CTO PCIs and can be recanalized with similar success and in-hospital MACE as de novo CTOs.

Radiation Exposure for Percutaneous Interventions of Chronic Total Coronary Occlusions in a Multicenter Registry: The Influence of Operator Variability and Technical Set-up.

AIMS: Radiation exposure is a limiting factor for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) of chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) lesions. This study was designed to analyze changes in patient radiation dose for CTO-PCI and parameters associated with radiation dose. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed a cohort of 12,136 procedures performed by 23 operators between 2012 and 2017 from the European Registry of CTO-PCI. Radiation exposure was recorded as air kerma (AK) and dose area product (DAP). A dose rate index (DRI) was calculated as AK per fluoroscopy time to normalize for individual differences in fluoroscopy time. The lesion complexity increased from Japanese-CTO (J-CTO) score of 2.19 ± 1.44 to 2.46 ± 1.28, with an increase of retrograde procedures from 31.1% to 40.7%; still, procedural success improved from 87.7% to 92.1%. Fluoroscopy time remained similar, but AK decreased by 14.9%, from 2.35 Gy (interquartile range [IQR], 1.29-4.14 Gy) to 2.00 Gy (IQR, 1.08-3.45 Gy) and DAP decreased by 21.5%, from 130 Gy•cm² (IQR, 70-241 Gy•cm²) to 102 Gy•cm² (IQR, 58-184 Gy•cm²). Radiation exposure was determined by the lesion complexity (J-CTO score) and procedural complexity (antegrade or retrograde). DRI was determined by fluoroscopy frame rate and type of equipment used, but the major influence remained interoperator differences. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation exposure decreased during the observation period despite an increase in lesion and procedural complexity. While many operators already achieved a goal of low radiation exposure, there were considerable interoperator differences in radiation management, indicating further potential for improvement.

Impact of prior coronary artery bypass grafting in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion-percutaneous coronary intervention: Procedural and clinical outcomes from the REgistry of Crossboss and Hybrid procedures in FrAnce, the NetheRlands, BelGium, and UnitEd Kingdom (RECHARGE).

AIM: Chronic total occlusions (CTO) in patients with history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) show more advanced and complex atherosclerotic pathology. Aim of our study is to compare outcomes in patients undergoing CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with previous CABG versus those without in the REgistry of Crossboss and Hybrid procedures in FrAnce the NetheRlands, BelGium and UnitEd Kingdom (RECHARGE). METHODS & RESULTS: The RECHARGE cohort (1,252 patients) was divided in two groups according to the presence of previous CABG (217) or not. We also focused, in the post-CABG group, on a comparison between CTO in previously grafted vessels versus non-grafted vessels. The CTO complexity scores were higher and the success rate (71.9% vs. 88.7%, p < .001) was lower in the CABG group, this difference was driven by higher failure rates in high-complexity-score CTO. The rate of in-hospital complications was similar. In the post-CABG group, the procedural success of CTO located in previously grafted vessels versus those in vessels not previously grafted, was comparably suboptimal (73.1% vs. 68%, p = .47). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing CTO PCI with prior CABG have a higher prevalence of comorbidities and more complex lesion characteristics. In the post-CABG population the success rate was significantly lower, particularly in high CTO complexity scores, though complication rates were comparable. In the post-CABG population, the CTO success rate was independent of the presence of a previous graft on the CTO vessel.

Guiding Principles for Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

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.

Fully Transradial Versus Transfemoral Approach for Percutaneous Intervention of Coronary Chronic Total Occlusions Applying the Hybrid Algorithm: Insights From RECHARGE Registry.

BACKGROUND: Small observational studies demonstrate the feasibility of transradial approach for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention. The aim of the current study is to assess technical success, complication rates, and procedural efficiency in fully transradial approach (fTRA) and transfemoral approach (TFA) in a large prospective European registry adopting the hybrid algorithm for CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (Registry of CrossBoss and Hybrid Procedures in France, the Netherlands, Belgium and United Kingdom, RECHARGE registry). METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed 1253 CTO percutaneous coronary intervention procedures performed according to the hybrid protocol in 17 European centers, comparing fTRA (single or biradial access) and TFA (single or bifemoral or combined radial and femoral access). fTRA was applied in 306 (24%) and TFA in 947 (76%) cases. The average Japanese CTO score was 2.1±1.2 in fTRA and 2.3±1.1 in TFA (P=0.06). Technical success was achieved in 85% in fTRA and 86% in TFA (P=0.51). Technical success was comparable for fTRA and TFA in different Japanese CTO score subgroups after multivariable analysis and after propensity adjustment. In-hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebral events occurred in 2.0% in fTRA and 2.9% in TFA (P=0.40). Major access site bleeding occurred in 0.3% in fTRA and 0.5% in TFA (P=0.66). fTRA compared with TFA had similar procedural duration (80 minutes [54-120 minutes] versus 90 minutes [60-121 minutes]; P=0.07), similar radiation dose (dose area product 89 Gray×cm2 [52-163 Gray×cm2] versus 101 Gray×cm2 [59-171 Gray×cm2]; P=0.06), and lower contrast agent use (200 mL [150-310 mL] versus 250 mL [200-350 mL]; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: fTRA CTO percutaneous coronary intervention is a valid alternative to TFA with a high rate of success, low complication rates, and no decrease in procedural efficiency.

The Hybrid Algorithm for Treating Chronic Total Occlusions in Europe: The RECHARGE Registry.

BACKGROUND: The hybrid algorithm for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was developed to improve procedural outcomes. Large, prospective studies validating the algorithm in a broad multicenter setting with operators of different experience levels are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The RECHARGE (REgistry of Crossboss and Hybrid procedures in FrAnce, the NetheRlands, BelGium and UnitEd Kingdom) registry aims to report achievable results using the hybrid algorithm. METHODS: Between January 2014 and October 2015, consecutive patients undergoing hybrid CTO-PCI were prospectively enrolled in 17 centers. Procedural techniques, outcomes, and in-hospital complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1,253 CTO-PCIs were performed in 1,177 patients, of which 86% were men. Mean age was 66 ± 11 years. The average Japanese CTO score was 2.0 ± 1.0, and was higher in the failure group (2.6 ± 0.6 vs. 1.9 ± 1.0; p < 0.001). Overall procedure success was 86% and major in-hospital complications occurred in 2.6%. Antegrade wire escalation was the preferred primary strategy in 77%, followed by retrograde (17%) and antegrade dissection re-entry strategies (7%). Primary strategies were successful in 60%. Consecutive strategies were applied in 34% and were successful in 74%. Antegrade dissection re-entry and retrograde strategies were the most common bailout strategies and were successful in 67% and 62%, respectively. Median procedure and fluoroscopy time were 90 (interquartile range [IQR]: 60 to 120) min and 35 (IQR: 21 to 55) min, contrast volume was 250 (IQR: 180 to 340) ml, and radiation doses (air kerma and dose area product) were 1.6 (IQR: 1.0 to 2.7) Gy and 98 (IQR: 57 to 168) Gy·cm2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: High procedure and patient success rates, combined with a low event rate and improved procedural characteristics, support further use of the hybrid algorithm for a broad community of appropriately trained CTO operators.