Use of the CrossBoss catheter for crossing superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusions

The value of fragmented QRS in predicting the prognosis of chronic total occlusion patients with myocardial infarction history undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A 24-months follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Fragmented QRS (fQRS) is a marker of local myocardial scar. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between fQRS and coronary collateral circulation (CCC) and evaluate the predictive value of fQRS for long-term clinical outcomes among patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) and prior myocardial infarction (MI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

A total of 862 patients with a definite history of MI who had one CTO coronary artery and underwent PCI between 2013 and 2018 were continuously analyzed. Patients were divided into group A (no Q wave and fQRS, n = 206), group B (fQRS, n = 265), group C (Q wave, n = 391). All patients were followed up for 2 years.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in group B was significantly lower than in group C (group B vs. C: 7.2% vs. 11.3%, P = 0.043). The percentage of good CCC was 94.2%, 88.3%, and 82.9% in group A, B, and C (p < .001), respectively. The improvement of cardiac function in group B and A were more significant than in group C. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed fQRS was an independent protective factor of MACE after PCI within 2 years in CTO patients with prior MI (RR = 0.668, 95% CI [0.422-0.917], p = .001).

CONCLUSION

fQRS is an independent protective factor of prognosis in patients with prior MI and one CTO vessel who underwent PCI, presenting with a higher rate of good CCC, less occurrence of MACE, and better heart function than in Q wave patients.

Blunt microdissection for endovascular treatment of infrainguinal chronic total occlusions

PURPOSE

To present a systematic safety evaluation of the CrossBoss blunt microdissection catheter for crossing peripheral chronic total occlusions (CTOs).

METHODS

Between July 2010 and July 2011, 15 patients (all men; mean age 60.7±9.1 years) underwent endovascular treatment of 17 infrainguinal CTOs that were resistant to guidewire passage, so the blunt microdissection catheter was employed to recanalize the artery. Fourteen lesions were de novo and 3 were in-stent restenoses. Sixteen lesions were in the superficial femoral artery; 8 of 17 CTOs were TASC II type D. Extensive calcification was present in 12 lesions. Mean lesion length was 182.9±66.2 mm (range 57-296).

RESULTS

Procedural success was 100% and successful crossing without the use of a re-entry device (technical success) was achieved in 15 cases. Twelve lesions were stented. Average fluoroscopy time was 36.5±21.2 minutes (143.8±76.9 Gy*cm (2) radiaton dose area product), during which a mean 172.1±62.2 mL of iodinated contrast were used. Two patients had access site hematomas that were treated conservatively, and there was no perforation, distal embolization, amputation, or need for urgent revascularization. During the mean follow-up of 11.4±0.1 months, 1 patient died, and none required an amputation or surgical revascularization. There was a significant improvement in ankle-brachial index (0.6±0.1 to 0.8±0.2, p=0.001) and symptoms as assessed by Rutherford class at 1 year. Four of 17 limbs required secondary revascularization procedures within 1 year.

CONCLUSION

The CrossBoss blunt microdissection catheter facilitated successful crossing of CTOs in patients with infrainguinal lesions following unsuccessful guidewire crossing, with an acceptably low rate of periprocedural complications and significant improvement in symptoms.