Health Status Benefits of Successful Chronic Total Occlusion Revascularization Across the Spectrum of Left Ventricular Function: Insights From the OPEN-CTO Registry

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to describe the association between chronic total occlusion (CTO) revascularization (CTO percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) and health status in patients with and without cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND

Prior PCI trials for cardiomyopathy have excluded CTO patients. Whether patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) receive similar health status benefit from CTO-PCI compared with patients with normal LVEF is unclear.

METHODS

We assessed health status change, using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) Summary, SAQ Angina Frequency, and Rose Dyspnea Scale scores, among patients undergoing successful CTO PCI in the OPEN-CTO (Outcomes, Patient Health Status, and Efficiency in Chronic Total Occlusion) Registry. Participants were classified by LVEF (normal, ≥50%; mild-moderate, 30% to 49%; and severe, <30%), with higher SAQ and lower Rose Dyspnea Scale scores indicating better health status. Differences in 1-year outcomes were compared using hierarchical multivariable regression.

RESULTS

Of 762 patients, 506 (66.4%), 193 (25.3%), and 63 (8.3%) had normal, mild-moderate, and severely reduced LVEF. SAQ Summary score improvements were observed in each group (27.1 ± 20.4, 26.7 ± 21.2, and 20.3 ± 18.1, respectively). Compared with patients with LVEF ≥50%, those with LVEF <30% had less improvement in SAQ Summary Score (-5.2 points; 95% confidence interval: -9.0 to -1.5; p = 0.01) and Rose Dyspnea Scale (+0.5 points; 95% confidence interval: 0.1 to 0.8; p = 0.01), with no difference in odds of angina (odds ratio: 1.3; 95% confidence interval: 0.6 to 3.0; p = 0.48). Health status improvement was similar between patients with LVEF ≥50% and LVEF 30% to 49%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although health status improvement was less in patients with severely reduced LVEF compared with those with normal LVEF, each group experienced large health status improvements after CTO-PCI.

Modified subintimal transcatheter withdrawal: A novel technique for hematoma decompression to facilitate distal reentry during coronary chronic total occlusion recanalization

A controlled antegrade dissection and reentry technique is the most commonly employed crossing strategy for long coronary chronic total occlusions. The development of compressive hematoma is a recognized complication and results in the impairment of distal vessel visualization and hinders successful reentry attempts. We describe a novel technique utilizing a widely available microcatheter to decompress the subintimal hematoma to restore distal visualization and allow successful reentry.

Late-term safety and effectiveness of everolimus-eluting stents in chronic total coronary occlusion revascularization: Final 4-year results from the evaluation of the XIENCE coronary stent, Performance, and Technique in Chronic Total Occlusions (EXPERT CTO) multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

Limited study has detailed the late-term safety and efficacy of chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) revascularization among multiple centers applying modern techniques and with newer-generation drug-eluting stents.

METHODS

Among 20 centers, 222 patients enrolled in the XIENCE coronary stent, performance, and technique (EXPERT) CTO trial underwent CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with everolimus-eluting stents (EES). Through planned 4-year follow-up, the primary composite endpoint of major adverse cardiac events (MACE; death, myocardial infarction [MI] and target lesion revascularization) and rates of individual component endpoints and stent thrombosis were determined.

RESULTS

Demographic, lesion, and procedural characteristics included prior bypass surgery, 9.9%; diabetes, 40.1%; lesion length, 36.1 ± 18.5 mm; and stent length, 51.7 ± 27.2 mm. By 4 years, MACE rates were 31.6 and 22.4% by the pre-specified ARC and per-protocol definitions, respectively. Clinically-indicated target lesion revascularization at 4 years was 11.3%. In landmark analyses of events beyond the first year of revascularization, the annualized rates of target vessel-related MI and clinically-indicated target lesion revascularization were 0.53 and 1.3%, respectively. Through 4 years, the cumulative definite/probable stent thrombosis rate was 1.7% with no events occurring beyond the initial year of index revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

In a multicenter registration trial representing contemporary technique and EES, these results demonstrate sustained long-term safety and effectiveness of EES in CTO percutaneous revascularization and can be used to inform shared decision making with patients being considered for CTO PCI relative to late safety and vessel patency.

Initial report of safety and procedure duration of robotic-assisted chronic total occlusion coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

No previous reports have examined the impact of robotic-assisted (RA) chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI on procedural duration or safety compared to totally manual CTO PCI.

METHODS

Among 95 patients who underwent successful PCI of a single CTO lesion at two centers, 49 (52%) were performed RA and were performed 46 (48%) totally manually. Cockpit time was the time the primary operator entered to robotic cockpit until the procedure was complete. "Theoretical" cockpit time in the control group was time the primary operator would have entered the cockpit after lesion crossing until the procedure was complete. Major adverse events (MAEs) were the composite of death, myocardial infarction, clinical perforation, significant vessel dissection, arrhythmia, acute thrombosis, and stroke.

RESULTS

The lesion characteristics, procedural time, and contrast dose were similar. All procedures except for one (2%) selected for robotic completion after lesion crossing were completed successfully. The frequency of MAE was similar between groups and there were no in-hospital deaths. The cockpit time was 8 min longer in RA CTO PCI than the theoretical cockpit time in totally manual CTO PCI (40.6 ± 12.7 vs. 32.1 ± 17.8, p < .01).

CONCLUSION

RA CTO PCI was not associated with excess adverse events compared with totally manual CTO PCI and resulted in an average 41 min cockpit time equaling to 48% of procedure time without radiation exposure or requirement for the primary operator to wear a lead apron. Understanding the relationship between cockpit time and reductions in radiation exposure and lead apron-related orthopedic complications for operators requires future study.

De-escalation of antianginal medications after successful chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: Frequency and relationship with health status

BACKGROUND

Successful chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can markedly reduce angina symptom burden, but many patients often remain on multiple antianginal medications (AAMs) after the procedure. It is unclear when, or if, AAMs can be de-escalated to prevent adverse effects or limit polypharmacy. We examined the association of de-escalation of AAMs after CTO PCI with long-term health status.

METHODS

In a 12-center registry of consecutive CTO PCI patients, health status was assessed at 6 months after successful CTO PCI with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire and the Rose Dyspnea Scale. Among patients with technical CTO PCI success, we examined the association of AAM de-escalation with 6-month health status using multivariable models adjusting for revascularization completeness and predicted risk of post-PCI angina (using a validated risk model). We also examined predictors and variability of AAMs de-escalation.

RESULTS

Of 669 patients with technical success of CTO PCI, AAMs were de-escalated in 276 (35.9%) patients at 1 month. Patients with AAM de-escalation reported similar angina and dyspnea rates at 6 months compared with those whose AAMs were reduced (any angina: 22.5% vs 20%, P = .43; any dyspnea: 51.8% vs 50.1%, P = .40). In a multivariable model adjusting for complete revascularization and predicted risk of post-PCI angina, de-escalation of AAMs at 1 month was not associated with an increased risk of angina, dyspnea, or worse health status at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with successful CTO PCI, de-escalation of AAMs occurred in about one-third of patients at 1 month and was not associated with worse long-term health status.

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.

Patient Characteristics Associated With Antianginal Medication Escalation and De-Escalation Following Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background Prior research has shown that providers may infrequently adjust antianginal medications (AAMs) following chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patient characteristics associated with AAM titration and the variation in postprocedure AAM management after CTO PCI across hospitals have not been reported. We sought to determine the frequency and potential correlates of AAM escalation and de-escalation after CTO PCI. Methods and Results Using the 12-center OPEN CTO registry (Outcomes, Patient Health Status, and Efficiency iN Chronic Total Occlusion Hybrid Procedures), we assessed AAM use at baseline and 6 months after CTO PCI. Escalation was defined as any addition of a new class of AAM or dose increase, whereas de-escalation was defined as a reduction in the number of AAMs or dose reduction. Angina was assessed 6 months after the index CTO PCI attempt using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire Angina Frequency domain. Potential correlates of AAM escalation (vs no change) or de-escalation (vs no change) were evaluated using multivariable modified Poisson regression models. Adjusted variation across sites was evaluated using median rate ratios. AAMs were escalated in 158 (17.5%), de-escalated in 351 (39.0%), and were unchanged at 6-month follow-up in 392 (43.5%). Patient characteristics associated with escalation included lung disease, ongoing angina, and periprocedural major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (periprocedural myocardial infarction, stroke, death, emergent cardiac surgery, or clinically significant perforation), whereas de-escalation was more frequent among patients taking more AAMs, those treated with complete revascularization, and after treatment of non-CTO lesions at the time of the index procedure. There was minimal variation in either escalation (median rate ratio, 1.11; P=0.36) or de-escalation (median rate ratio, 1.10; P=0.20) compared to no change of AAMs across sites. Conclusions Escalation or de-escalation of AAMs was less common than continuation following CTO PCI, with little variation across sites. Further research is needed to identify patients who may benefit from AAM titration after CTO PCI and develop strategies to adjust these medications in follow-up. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02026466.

Prevalence, predictors, and health status implications of periprocedural complications during coronary chronic total occlusion angioplasty

AIMS

Contemporary coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI has been associated with increased success rates. However, the rate of periprocedural complications for hybrid CTO PCI remains incompletely defined. We leveraged the OPEN CTO study in order to describe the prevalence, predictors, and health status outcomes of complications during contemporary CTO PCI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Baseline demographics, procedural characteristics and rates of in-hospital complications were prospectively collected for 1,000 consecutive procedures at 12 expert US centres from 02/2014 to 07/2015. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of pre-specified anatomic and physiologic variables with complications. Patient-reported health status measures over the year following CTO PCI were also compared between those with and those without periprocedural complications. The overall complication rate was 9.7% (n=97/1,000). The most common adverse events were perforation (8.8%), periprocedural myocardial infarction (2.6%), arrhythmia requiring treatment (1.2%), cardiogenic shock (1.1%), and in-hospital death (0.9%). Independent predictors of complications during CTO PCI were: use of the retrograde approach (OR 1.98, 95% CI: 1.32-2.99), age (OR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07-1.58 per 10-year increment), and J-CTO score (OR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03-1.41 per one point increment). Mean health status scores over 12 months were worse for patients who experienced complications compared to those who did not, even after adjusting for baseline health status.

CONCLUSIONS

Complication rates for CTO PCI are more frequent than those reported for non-CTO PCI and were independently associated with retrograde approach, increasing age, and increasing lesion complexity. In addition, these periprocedural complications were also associated with worse long-term health status outcomes.

Algorithmic solutions to common problems encountered during chronic total occlusion angioplasty: The algorithms within the algorithm

Improved technical equipment, dissemination of best practices, and the importance of complete coronary revascularization have led to a renewed interest in coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI. In particular, the hybrid algorithm has been associated with increasing procedural success rates in the US. However, the hybrid algorithm only covers overarching strategies in the overall approach to these lesions. Several technical challenges can occur during execution of these approaches, each of which has several potential solutions. A systematic or algorithmic approach to dealing with these challenges could contribute to improved procedural efficiency and higher procedural success. While there have been isolated attempts in the past to codify approaches to each of these situations, there has not been a contemporary, comprehensive review of the potential solutions to these problems. We present 10 common problems encountered during CTO PCI and a consensus hierarchical approach to them.

Dyspnea Among Patients With Chronic Total Occlusions Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Prevalence and Predictors of Improvement

BACKGROUND

Dyspnea is a common angina equivalent that adversely affects quality of life, but its prevalence in patients with chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and predictors of its improvement after CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are unknown. We examined the prevalence of dyspnea and predictors of its improvement among patients selected for CTO PCI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the OPEN CTO registry (Outcomes, Patient health status, and Efficiency iN Chronic Total Occlusion) of 12 US experienced centers, 987 patients undergoing CTO PCI (procedure success 82%) were assessed for dyspnea with the Rose Dyspnea Scale at baseline and 1 month after CTO PCI. Rose Dyspnea Scale scores range from 0 to 4 with higher scores indicating more dyspnea with common activities. A total of 800 (81%) reported some dyspnea at baseline with a mean (±SD) Rose Dyspnea Scale of 2.8±1.2. Dyspnea improvement was defined as a ≥1 point decrease in Rose Dyspnea Scale from baseline to 1 month. Predictors of dyspnea improvement were examined with a modified Poisson regression model. Patients with dyspnea were more likely to be female, obese, smokers, and to have more comorbidities and angina. Among patients with baseline dyspnea, 70% reported less dyspnea at 1 month after CTO PCI. Successful CTO PCI was associated with more frequent dyspnea improvement than failure, even after adjustment for other clinical variables. Anemia, depression, and lung disease were associated with less dyspnea improvement after PCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Dyspnea is a common symptom among patients undergoing CTO PCI and improves significantly with successful PCI. Patients with other potentially noncardiac causes of dyspnea reported less dyspnea improvement after CTO PCI.

Abstract 27: Anti-Anginal Medication Titration Among Patients With Residual Angina 6-Months After Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From OPEN CTO Registry

Background: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) effectively reduces angina symptoms and improves quality of life, but the frequency of new or residual angina (RA) in follow-up after CTO PCI and its relationship with titration of anti-anginal medications (AAM) has not been described.

Methods: In consecutive CTO PCI patients treated at 12 centers in the OPEN CTO registry, angina symptoms were assessed 6 months after the index PCI using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) Angina Frequency scale (a score <100 defined new or residual angina). AAMs were recorded at discharge and 1 and 6 months after the index CTO PCI. AAM escalation was defined as an increase in the number or dosage of AAMs between discharge and 6-month follow-up. The proportion of patients who had escalation of AAM by 6-month follow-up was compared among those with and without 6-month angina, and analyses were repeated after stratification by the ultimate technical success of their CTO PCI (including follow-up procedures), achievement of physiologically complete revascularization during the index procedure, and presence or absence of angina at baseline.

Results: Of 901 patients undergoing CTO PCI, 197 (21.9%) reported angina at 6-months. Of patients with RA, 54 (27.4%) had de-escalation, 118 (59.9%) had no change, and 25 (12.7%) had escalation of their AAM by 6 month follow-up. Although patients with residual angina were more likely to have escalation of AAMs, only 12.7% of patients with residual angina had escalation of their AAM regimens in follow-up. Results were similar when stratifying patients by the ultimate success of the CTO PCI, completeness of physiologic revascularization, and presence or absence of angina at baseline (Figure).

Conclusions: One in 5 patients reported angina 6-months after CTO PCI. Although patients with new or residual angina were more likely to have escalation of AAMs in follow-up compared to those without residual symptoms, only one in 7 patients with residual angina had escalation of AAMs. These results were similar in key subgroups. Although it is unclear whether this finding reflects maximal tolerated therapy at baseline or therapeutic inertia, these findings suggest an important potential opportunity to further improve symptom control in complex stable ischemic heart disease.

Abstract 19: Physical Activity After Chronic Total Occlusion PCI and Its Association With Health Status

Introduction: Regular exercise provides multiple benefits to patients with coronary artery disease, but patients with chronic total occlusions (CTOs) may not participate in regular exercise due to refractory angina. There are few data to describe exercise participation after CTO PCI and the association of exercise patterns with health status after CTO PCI.

Methods: We studied 1000 consecutive patients enrolled in OPEN CTO, a prospective 12 US center registry of CTO PCI. Participants were asked about participation in regular exercise (yes/no) at baseline and 12 months after CTO PCI, and the frequency of exercise (<1x/wk, 1-2x/wk, >=3x/wk) was collected among exercisers. Regular exercise included participation in any amount of exercise on a regular basis. Multivariable regression was used to compare 12-month health status change across 4 groups defined by exercise frequency at baseline and 12 months after CTO PCI [no regular exercise at baseline and 12 months, and reduced, increased, and consistent exercise at 12-months], adjusting for patient characteristics, technical success of the CTO PCI and completeness of revascularization. Health status was assessed using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) Angina Frequency (AF), Physical limitations (PL), Quality of life (QoL) and Summary Score (OS) domains.

Results: A total of 869 patients with complete exercise data were included in the analysis. The proportion exercising regularly increased from 33.5% at baseline to 56.6% 12 months after CTO PCI (p < 0.01). Predictors of regular exercise at 12 months included baseline exercise, smoking, change in SAQ OS and baseline SAQ OS (Fig 1a). After multivariable adjustment, consistent or increased exercise frequency was associated with significantly greater improvement in SAQ PL, AF, Qol and OS scores ( p<0.01 for all, Fig 1b).

Conclusion: Participation in regular exercise significantly increased 12 months after CTO PCI, and patients who had greater health status benefit after PCI were more likely to exercise regularly at 12 months. CTO PCI may enable CAD patients with limiting symptoms to engage in regular exercise. Further study of the association between health status improvement and exercise after CTO PCI is needed.

Outcomes With the Use of the Retrograde Approach for Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions in a Contemporary Multicenter US Registry

BACKGROUND

We sought to examine the efficacy and safety of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention using the retrograde approach.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We compared the outcomes of the retrograde versus antegrade-only approach to chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention among 1301 procedures performed at 11 experienced US centers between 2012 and 2015. The mean age was 65.5±10 years, and 84% of the patients were men with a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (45%) and previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery (34%). Overall technical and procedural success rates were 90% and 89%, respectively, and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 31 patients (2.4%). The retrograde approach was used in 539 cases (41%), either as the initial strategy (46%) or after a failed antegrade attempt (54%). When compared with antegrade-only cases, retrograde cases were significantly more complex, both clinically (previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery prevalence, 48% versus 24%; P<0.001) and angiographically (mean Japan-chronic total occlusion score, 3.1±1.0 versus 2.1±1.2; P<0.001) and had lower technical success (85% versus 94%; P<0.001) and higher major adverse cardiovascular events (4.3% versus 1.1%; P<0.001) rates. On multivariable analysis, the presence of suitable collaterals, no smoking, no previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and left anterior descending artery target vessel were independently associated with technical success using the retrograde approach.

CONCLUSIONS

The retrograde approach is commonly used in contemporary chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention, especially among more challenging lesions and patients. Although associated with lower success and higher major adverse cardiovascular event rates in comparison to antegrade-only crossing, retrograde percutaneous coronary intervention remains critical for achieving overall high success rates.