Procedural and Long-Term Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for In-Stent Chronic Total Occlusion

Predictors of long-term adverse outcomes after successful chronic total occlusion intervention: physiology or morphology?

BACKGROUND

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and target-vessel SYNTAX score (tvSS) are novel indices used to assess lesion physiology and morphology in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Their prognostic implication after successful recanalization of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prognostic value of QFR measured immediately after successful CTO-recanalization in predicting vessel-oriented adverse events, and to compare it with the pre-procedural morphological tvSS.

METHODS

QFR was measured offline after successful CTO-PCIs in a single center. We grouped the patients according to a cut-off value of post-PCI QFR (0.91). The primary outcome was target-vessel failure (TVF) at 2 years.

RESULTS

Among 470 CTO lesions performed during the study period, 324 were eligible for QFR analysis (258 with QFR ≥ 0.91 and 66 with QFR < 0.91). The mean age of the study population was 68.3 ± 10.7 years. The low QFR group had a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (45.8 ± 13.9% vs. 49.8 ± 12.4%, p = 0.025) and a higher rate of atrial fibrillation (19.7% vs. 11.2%, p = 0.020). The mean tvSS was 12.8 ± 4.8, and it showed no significant difference in both groups (13.6 ± 5.1 vs. 12.6 ± 4.6, p = 0.122). Patients with low post-CTO QFR had a trend to develop more TVF at 2 years (21.2% vs. 12.4%, HR 1.74; 95% CI 0.93-3.25, p = 0.086). Low post-CTO QFR failed to predict 2-year TVF (aHR 1.67; 95% CI 0.85-3.29, p = 0.136), while pre-procedural tvSS was an independent predictor for 2-year TVF (aHR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.13, p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

We found a limited prognostic value of immediate physiological assessment using QFR after successful CTO intervention. Pre-procedure morphological characteristics of CTO lesions using tvSS can play a role in predicting long-term adverse events.

Temporal trends of case-fatality in patients undergoing dual-injection coronary chronic total occlusion recanalization

AIMS

Recently, interventional techniques and material to treat chronic total occlusion (CTO) with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have evolved significantly. Nevertheless, it is still unknown whether this progress improved treatment success and patients' outcome. In a nationwide sample, we sought to analyze trends of patients' characteristics, complications and in-hospital case-fatality of patients undergoing CTO revascularization in Germany.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed data on characteristics, treatments, and in-hospital outcomes for all coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (ICD-code I25) undergoing dual-injection CTO recanalization (OPS procedural code: 8-839.9) in Germany from 2009 to 2020. Overall, 4,998,457 inpatients aged ≥ 18 years with diagnosis of CAD were treated in German hospitals in this period. Among these, 52,879 patients (1.1%) underwent CTO recanalization. Annual number of CTO PCIs increased from 1263 in 2009 to 6435 in 2020 (β 3.48 [95% CI 3.44-3.52]; p < 0.001) in parallel with a significant decrease of case-fatality (2.2% in 2009 to 1.4% in 2020; β  - 0.60 [95% CI  - 0.82 to  - 0.39]; p < 0.001). Overall, 754 (1.4%) patients with CTO recanalization died during the in-hospital stay and in-hospital case-fatality grew exponentially with age (β 0.82 [95% CI 0.73-0.90]; p < 0.001). Significant predictors of in-hospital case fatality with an OR > 3 were cancer, stroke, hemopericardium, acute renal failure, pulmonary embolism and shock.

CONCLUSION

Annual number of CTO procedures performed in Germany increased from 2009 to 2020 with a concomitant anti-proportional decrease in the case-fatality. Our findings may help to draw more attention to predictors of in-hospital case fatality in patients hospitalized for CTO recanalization.

Long-term clinical outcomes of drug-coated balloon for the management of chronic total occlusions

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with de novo chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions treated by hybrid strategy and drug-coated balloons (DCB)-only strategy.

BACKGROUNDS

DCBs have been used as an alternative to or in combination with drug-eluting stents in CTO lesions. However, the clinical impact of DCB treatment on CTO lesion remains uncertain.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 154 patients with de novo CTO lesions treated by DCB, including 57 cases in hybrid group and 97 cases in DCB-only group.

RESULTS

The lesions in hybrid group were more complicated than those in DCB-only group as shown by higher J-CTO score, and therefore higher percentage of retrograde approach, more IVUS guidance, more CTO guidewires, and longer procedural time were demonstrated. Although the percentage of non-flow-limiting dissection and residual stenosis of more than 30% were lower in hybrid group, TIMI flow grade, satisfactory and acceptable recanalization rate were not significantly different between two groups. During a median follow-up was 470 days, the incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR), myocardial infarction and cardiac death was 11.0%, 1.3% and 1.9%, respectively. The long-term TLR-free survival was comparable between hybrid and DCB-only groups. By multivariate analysis, DCB length and age were predictors of TLR.

CONCLUSION

DCB treatment appears effective and safe in selected de novo CTO lesions during long-term follow up. The recanalization results and long-term outcomes are comparable between hybrid and DCB-only group despite more complicated lesions in hybrid group.

Clinical Outcome of Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon Angioplasty Versus Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation for the Treatment of Coronary Drug-Eluting Stent In-Stent Chronic Total Occlusion

AIMS

In-stent chronic total occlusion (IS-CTO) represents a unique challenge for percutaneous coronary intervention. Whether the optimal treatment for IS-CTO is angioplasty with paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs) or repeat stenting with drug-eluting stents (DESs) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of PCB angioplasty and DES repeat stenting for DES IS-CTO.

METHODS

We retrospectively included patients with DES IS-CTO who underwent successful PCB angioplasty or DES repeat stenting from January 2016 to December 2019. The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Cox proportional hazards model was performed to compare the risk of MACEs between PCB angioplasty and DES repeat stenting, and to further explore the prognostic factors of patients with DES IS-CTO.

RESULTS

A total of 214 patients with DES IS-CTO were enrolled: 78 patients (36.4%) treated with PCB and 136 patients (63.6%) treated with DES respectively. The median follow-up was 1160 days, and MACEs were observed in 28.2% of patients with PCB angioplasty versus 26.5% of patients with DES repeat stenting (P = 0.784), mainly driven by TLR (21.8% vs. 19.9%, P = 0.735). There was no significant difference in the risk of MACEs between the PCB group and the DES group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64-2.46, P = 0.512). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that chronic kidney disease and ≥ 3 stent layers in the lesion were independent predictors of MACEs, while switching to another antiproliferative drug was an independent protective factor (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PCB angioplasty was an effective alternative treatment strategy for DES IS-CTO, which had similar long-term outcomes to DES repeat stenting in contemporary practice, but both were accompanied by a high rate of long-term MACEs. Improving the poor prognosis of patients with DES IS-CTO remains a challenge.

Prevalence, predictors, and management for balloon uncrossable or undilatable lesions in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with in-stent restenosis chronic total occlusion

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention for in-stent restenosis (ISR) chronic total occlusion (CTO) has been a great challenge. There are occasions when the balloon is uncrossable or undilatable (BUs) even though the guidewire has passed, leading to failure of the procedure. Few studies have focused on the incidence, predictors, and management of BUs during ISR-CTO intervention.

Methods

Patients with ISR-CTO were recruited consecutively between January 2017 and January 2022 and divided into two groups based on the presence of BUs. The clinical data of the two groups (BUs group and non-BUs group) were retrospectively analyzed and compared to explore the predictors and clinical management strategies of BUs.

Results

A total of 218 patients with ISR-CTO were included in this study, 23.9% (52/218) of whom had BUs. The percentage of ostial stents, stent length, CTO length, the presence of proximal cap ambiguity, moderate to severe calcification, moderate to severe tortuosity, and J-CTO score were higher in the BUs group than in the non-BUs group (p < 0.05). The technical success rate and the procedural success rate were lower in the BUs group than in the non-BUs group (p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that ostial stents (OR: 2.011, 95% CI: 1.112-3.921, p = 0.031), the presence of moderate to severe calcification (OR: 3.383, 95% CI: 1.628-5.921, p = 0.024) and moderate to severe tortuosity (OR: 4.816, 95% CI: 2.038-7.772, p = 0.033) were independent predictors of BUs.

Conclusion

The initial rate of BUs in ISR-CTO was 23.9%. Ostial stents, presence of moderate to severe calcification, and moderate to severe tortuosity were independent predictors of BUs.

Assessing the Clinical Influence of Chronic Total Occlusions (CTOs) Revascularization and the Impact of Vascularization Completeness on Patients with Left Ventricular (LV) Systolic Dysfunction

Objectives

This paper intends to assess the clinical influence of chronic total occlusions (CTOs), revascularization, and the impact of vascularization completeness on patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.

Background

The roles of CTO vascularization in clinical benefits remain conflicting. In addition, data concerning the different results of CTO vascularization and vascularization completeness according to LV systole function were assessed.

Methods

From an overall 918 consecutive patients with at least one CTO, 281 patients with ejection fraction (EF) ≤40% accepted coronary angiographic analysis between Jan 1, 2012, and Dec 31, 2020, and 29 patients were excluded. Subsequently, 261 patients were grouped into the successful CTO-PCI revascularization group (SCR, n = 135) and the optimal medical therapy group (OMT, n = 126). The prognosis influence of successfully finished CTO-PCI and complete revascularization on survival was evaluated. The primary endpoint was cardiac mortality, and the secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Results

After a median follow-up time of 38.02 months, the cardiac mortality (p=0.037) and MACCE (p=0.001) were more remarkable in the OMT group than in the SCR group. Moreover, patients with CTO-PCI had survival benefits from complete revascularization for MACCE (p=0.025) and cardiac mortality (p=0.041). Based on multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, age ≧ 75 years (HR: 3.443, 95% CI 1.719–6.897, p < 0.001) predicted a worse probability of cardiac mortality. Additionally, previous PCI (HR: 1.592, 95% CI 1.034–2.449, p=0.035) and previous MI (HR: 1.971, 95% CI 1.258–3.088, p=0.003) predicted a worse probability of MACCE, and SCR (HR: 0.499, 95% CI 0.320–0.776, p=0.002) was a protection predictor of MACCE.

Conclusion

In patients with LV systole dysfunction (EF ≤ 40%), successfully finished CTO-PCI is related to long-term survival benefits. The benefits were more remarkable in patients with complete coronary revascularization (CCR).

Successful percutaneous coronary intervention to the left anterior descending artery in-stent chronic total occlusion via the left internal mammary artery graft: a case report

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft is technically challenging, requires special consideration due to association with potential complications and therefore, infrequently performed. Data on in-stent chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI via the LIMA graft is even rarer.

Case summary

A 59-year-old male with a background history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery and previous PCI, presented with progressive chest pain on mild exertion, in the setting of a chronic coronary syndrome. Transradial coronary angiography revealed significant native three-vessel disease with CTO of right coronary, left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex arteries. Left internal mammary artery-LAD was widely patent. The previous LIMA-LAD stent at the anastomosis had a CTO with severe in-stent restenosis (ISR) at the distal end of the stent in the native LAD. The distal LAD was filled from bridging collaterals. Following discussion at the heart team meeting, he underwent successful complex PCI of LAD CTO via the LIMA graft at the site of ISR of previous LIMA-LAD anastomosis stent, which was finally treated with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty.

Discussion

Recurrent angina post-coronary revascularization can be very challenging to manage by medical therapy alone. Percutaneous intervention of complex coronary lesions in these patients requires experience and skill, especially when approaching lesions using the LIMA as a conduit. The use of DCB for ISR management is a well-known strategy; however, adequate lesion preparation is the key to satisfactory outcome.

Association between Phenotypic Age and Mortality in Patients with Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

Background

Chronological age (CA) is not a perfect proxy for the true biological aging status of the body. A new biological aging measure, phenotypic age (PhenoAge), has been shown to capture morbidity and mortality risk in the general US population and diverse subpopulations. This study was aimed at evaluating the association between PhenoAge and long-term outcome of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

A total of 609 multivessel CAD patients who received PCI attempt and with follow-up were enrolled. The clinical outcome was all-cause mortality on follow-up. PhenoAge was calculated using an equation constructed from CA and 9 clinical biomarkers. Cox proportional hazards regression models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to evaluate the association between PhenoAge and mortality.

Results

Overall, patients with more diseases had older PhenoAge and phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel). After a median follow-up of 33.5 months, those with positive PhenoAgeAccel had a significantly higher incidence of all-cause mortality (P = 0.001). After adjusting for CA, Cox proportional hazards models showed that both PhenoAge and PhenoAgeAccel were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Even after further adjusting for confounding factors, each 10-year increase in PhenoAge was also associated with a 51% increased mortality risk. ROC curves revealed that PhenoAge, with an area under the curve of 0.705, significantly outperformed CA, the individual clinical chemistry measure, and other risk factors. When reexamining the ROC curves using various combinations of variables, we found that PhenoAge provides additional predictive power to all models.

Conclusions

In conclusion, PhenoAge was strongly associated with all-cause mortality even after adjusting for CA. Our findings suggest that PhenoAge measure may be complementary in predicting mortality risk for patients with multivessel CAD.

The retrograde technique for recanalization of chronically occluded coronary arteries: Case series report

Introduction. Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary artery still represents one of the most challenging lesion subsets in the field of interventional cardiology. Considering the complexity and increased risk posed by the retrograde approach, it is most often performed after a failed antegrade approach. Case report. We present a series of cases describing the retrograde approach as a special technique for treating CTO of the coronary artery. All cases had some special characteristics that are part of a dedicated portfolio in every catheterization lab today. In our series of cases, all three percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with a different strategies of the retrograde approach and supported with rotational atherectomy or intravascular ultrasound finished with successful recanalization of CTO. Conclusion. In cases where there is the presence of ?interventional? collaterals, as well as when the antegrade approach is very difficult, the retrograde approach can increase the success rate of procedures. The retrograde approach requires a long learning curve as well as very skilled and experienced operators who are able to per-form the procedure independently.

The last resort during complex retrograde percutaneous coronary chronic total occlusion intervention: Extraplaque intracoronary lithotripsy to externally crush a heavy calcified occluded stent

Chronic total occlusions (CTO) due to in-stent restenosis represent a challenging lesion subset for percutaneous coronary intervention in particular when associated with coronary calcification. Sometimes CTO lesions require antegrade or retrograde dissection-re-entry techniques with extraplaque dilation. Recently intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) emerged as a therapeutic option for the treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions but its role in extraplaque dilation is not described. In this report, we present a case of retrograde complex percutaneous coronary chronic total occlusion revascularization accomplished by the use of extraplaque IVL necessary to externally crush a heavy calcified previous implanted stent.

The impact of J-CTO score on in-stent chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of J-CTO (Multicenter Chronic Total Occlusion Registry of Japan) score on in-stent chronic total occlusion (IS-CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

A retrospective data collection was conducted on 474 patients undergoing a difficult IS-CTO PCI from January 2015 to December 2018. The primary endpoint (major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]) consisted of target-vessel myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death or ischemia-driven target-vessel revascularisation (TVR) at follow-up. The cut-off points were estimated by the Youden index.

RESULTS

The overall procedural success rate was 77.6%. On multivariable analysis, factors including proximal bending (beta coefficient [β] = 3.465), tortuosity (β = 3.064), stent under expansion (β = 3.109) and poor distal landing zone (β = 1.959) were associated with technical failure via antegrade approach but not the J-CTO score (OR = 0.632; 95% CI [0.352-1.134]; P = .124). After a median follow-up of 30 months (interquartile range: 17-42 months), multivariable analysis revealed that receiving >18 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was an independent predictor of decreased risk of MACE (HR: 2.690; 95% CI: 1.346-5.347; P = .005). But the J-CTO score was not an independent predictor of MACE (HR: 1.018; 95% CI: 0.728-1.424; P = .917).

CONCLUSIONS

J-CTO score system is not a helpful tool to predict the technical success of difficult IS-CTO PCI via antegrade approach, nor does it correlate with long-term outcomes in patients undergoing IS-CTO PCI. Nevertheless, factors associated with technical failure include proximal bending of ≥30 degrees, under expansion of ≥10 mm, moderate or severe tortuosity (bending) ≥20 and poor distal target. Long-term DAPT therapy contributes significantly to decreased MACE.

Update on chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) can be challenging to perform. The main indication for CTO PCI is to improve symptoms. Several contemporary studies have reported high CTO PCI success rates at experienced centers but success rates in all-comer registries remain low. Several scores can estimate the difficulty and the likelihood of success of CTO PCI. Dual arterial access and use of CTO crossing algorithms can improve the success and safety of CTO PCI. Intracoronary imaging can optimize stent expansion and minimize adverse cardiovascular events. While complications are more common in CTO PCI, careful planning and prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent them or minimize their adverse consequences. In this article, we review contemporary data on the indications, safety and efficacy of CTO PCI.

Design and rationale for a real-world prospective, multicenter registry of myocardial revascularization failure and secondary revascularization: The REVASEC study

AIM

To investigate key aspects of the problem of myocardial revascularization failure (MRF) and repeat or secondary myocardial revascularization (SR) in contemporary practice.

METHODS

The registry of secondary revascularization (REVASEC) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective registry enhanced with data monitoring and independent event adjudication (ClinicalTrials.govNCT03349385). It includes patients with prior revascularization referred to coronary angiography for suspected MRF with broad inclusion criteria. The main objectives are to describe the characteristics of patients with prior revascularization referred for repeat angiography, to describe and the rate and mechanisms of MRF (stent or graft failure, coronary artery disease progression or residual coronary artery disease); to evaluate the management including medical treatment and SR of these patients; and to assess the prognosis according to the outlined causative mechanisms. The registry has one year follow up for the primary endpoint (Patient-oriented composite endpoint including all-cause death, any myocardial infarction or any new unplanned revascularization according to subsets of MRF), but extended follow-up will be carried out up to 5 years.

CONCLUSION

The REVASEC Registry will provide updated data on the characteristics, patterns of treatment, and 1-year outcomes of patients with MRF and SR in contemporary clinical practice.

Procedural Results and Long-Term Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for in-Stent Restenosis Chronic Total Occlusion Compared with de novo Chronic Total Occlusion

Background

In-stent restenosis (ISR) chronic total occlusion (CTO) represents a challenging subgroup for revascularization of CTO by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There are limited data on the treatment and outcomes of PCI for ISR CTO.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the procedural results and 2-year outcomes of PCI for ISR CTO compared with de novo CTO.

Methods

Patients undergoing attempted CTO PCI between January 2017 and December 2019 were prospectively enrolled. We analyzed the procedural results and 2-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients undergoing ISR CTO and those undergoing de novo CTO PCI.

Results

A total of 426 patients undergoing 484 consecutive CTO PCI (ISR CTO PCI, n=84; de novo CTO, n=400) were enrolled during the study period. Patients undergoing de novo CTO PCI had a significantly greater syntax score than those undergoing ISR CTO PCI [23.0 (17.5, 30.5) vs 21.5 (14.5, 27.0), p=0.039]. Technical (73.8% vs 79.0%, p=0.296) and procedural (73.8% vs 78.0, p=0.405) success rates, as well as the incidence of major procedural complications (1.2% vs 2.3%, p=0.842), were comparable between the two groups. After a median follow-up of 20 months, patients who underwent ISR CTO PCI had a significantly higher incidence of MACE (33.3% vs 10.3%, p<0.001), mainly attributed to the higher TVR rates (24.7% vs 7.6%, p<0.001). ISR CTO was the only independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio, 4.124; 95% confidence interval, 1.951–8.717; p<0.001) during follow-up in patients who underwent CTO PCI.

Conclusion

ISR CTO PCI shows comparable technical and procedural success, as well as major procedural complications compared with de novo CTO PCI. However, patients who underwent ISR CTO PCI had a significantly worse prognosis than those who underwent de novo CTO PCI, in terms of MACE, driven by TVR. ISR CTO was the only independent predictor of MACE during the follow-up.

The therapeutic effects of excimer laser coronary atherectomy therapy for in-stent restenosis chronic total occlusions

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) in patients with in-stent restenosis chronic total occlusions (ISR CTOs).

BACKGROUND

ISR CTOs are a challenge in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although they can be treated by ELCA, limited data are available on the effects of ELCA treatment in these patients.

METHODS

Fifty-nine consecutive patients underwent PCI for ISR CTOs at Beijing Hospital between December 2017 and September 2020. According to whether or not ELCA was performed, they were divided into two groups. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) analyses were performed routinely, including measurement of the minimal lumen diameter and calculation of the percentage diameter stenosis. The procedural success rate, the frequency of peri-procedural complications, and the incidence rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) over nine months were assessed. The primary endpoint in the study was the percentage diameter stenosis.

RESULTS

Procedure success was achieved in most patients in both groups (75.9%). Patients in the ELCA group exhibited a lower percentage diameter stenosis (24.5 ± 9.09 vs. 35.1 ± 18.6, p = 0.048) and a larger minimal lumen diameter (2.36 ± 0.29 mm vs. 1.78 ± 0.64 mm, p < 0.001) than those in the control group and the 9-month incidence rates of MACEs did not differ (9.5% vs 15.8%, p = 0.699).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that ELCA may be a safe and effective technique in the treatment of ISR CTOs, and the use of ELCA can achieve good immediate angiographic results, as measured by QCA, without increasing peri-procedural complications or the incidence rates of 9-month MACEs.

Long-term Outcome following Percutaneous Intervention of Intra-stent Coronary Occlusion and Evaluating the Different Treatment Modalities

BACKGROUND

Angioplasty for ISR remains a challenge with relatively high rates of recurrence. Although there is a plethora of data on ISR, there is relatively less data on intra-stent-CTO. In this study, we explore the long-term clinical outcomes following angioplasty to intra-stent CTO and study the differences in clinical outcomes between three treatment-arms: POBA vs. DES vs. DCB.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated all patients who underwent PCI to intra-stent CTO between 2011 and 2017. The endpoints used were: cardiac-death, TVMI, TLR, TVR, and MACE.During the study period, 403-patients with a mean age of 69.2 years had successful PCI to intra-stent CTO. 50% were diabetic, 38% had CKD and 32% had left ventricular dysfunction. 93% of cases were stable angina. 22% (n = 88) received only POBA, 28% (n = 113) received DCB and 50% (n = 202) received DES. During the median follow-up of 48-months, cardiac-death occurred in 5.8% (n = 23), TVMI in 4% (n = 16), TLR in 45.6% (n = 182), TVR in 48.7% (n = 194) and MACE of 46%. There were no differences in the hard endpoints between the 3treatment arms. However, the TLR and overall MACE were better in DCB and DES-groups as compared to POBA (TLR: 33%vs.42%vs.49%; p = 0.06); MACE (34% vs. 45% vs. 52%; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that has focussed on the outcomes following angioplasty to intra-stent CTOs with a very long-term follow-up. The hard endpoints were low, although the TLR rates were high. In regards to treatment strategy, the DCB and DES provide relatively better outcomes than POBA.

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.

Thirty-day and 5-year results of percutaneous coronary intervention for in-stent restenotic chronic total occlusion lesions: Data from 2,659 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the procedure success rate and clinical outcomes of in-stent restenotic chronic total occlusion (ISR-CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

Few studies have reported the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of ISR-CTO PCI.

METHOD

Patients who underwent ISR-CTO (n = 212) or de-novo CTO (n = 2,447) PCI at Fuwai Hospital from 2010 to 2013 were enrolled. Thirty-day and 5-year clinical outcomes were analyzed. The primary outcome was the incidence of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), and heart failure at follow-up. The secondary outcome was the recanalization result (reasonable, suboptimal, or failed recanalization).

RESULTS

ISR-CTO PCI had a higher rate of suboptimal recanalization than de-novo CTO PCI (p < .01). The syntax score before PCI (odds ratio (OR): 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.10; p = .002) and occlusion length ≥ 20 mm (OR: 2.70:95% CI: 1.46-4.98; p = .001) were predictors of suboptimal recanalization in ISR-CTO PCI. Cardiac death (p = .03) and 30-day all-cause mortality (p = .05) were higher among patients who underwent ISR-CTO PCI. The ISR-CTO group had a higher rate of MI (p = .07) at 5 years. Suboptimal recanalization (hazard ratio: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.13-5.83; p = .025) was an independent predictor of long-term major adverse events in ISR-CTO.

CONCLUSIONS

Suboptimal recanalization, 30-day cardiac death, and long-term MI rates are higher for ISR-CTO PCI than de-novo CTO PCI. Suboptimal recanalization is an independent predictor of long-term major adverse events after ISR-CTO PCI.

Factors Influencing Stent Failure in Chronic Total Occlusion Coronary Intervention

Stent failure remains one of the greatest challenges for interventional cardiologists. Despite the evolution to superior second- and third-generation drug-eluting stent designs, increasing use of intracoronary imaging and the adoption of more potent antiplatelet regimens, registries continue to demonstrate a prevalence of stent failure or target lesion revascularisation of 15-20%. Predisposition to stent failure is consistent across both chronic total occlusion (CTO) and non-CTO populations and includes patient-, lesion- and procedure-related factors. However, histological and pathophysiological properties specific to CTOs, alongside complex strategies to treat these lesions, may potentially render percutaneous coronary interventions in this cohort more vulnerable to failure. Prevention requires recognition and mitigation of the precipitants of stent failure, optimisation of interventional techniques, including image-guided precision percutaneous coronary intervention, and aggressive modification of a patient's cardiovascular risk factors. Management of stent failure in the CTO population is technically challenging and itself begets recurrence. We aim to provide a comprehensive review of factors influencing stent failure in the CTO population and strategies to attenuate these.

Long-Term Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With In-Stent Chronic Total Occlusion Versus De Novo Chronic Total Occlusion

Limited data are available on long-term outcomes and health status in the treatment of in-stent coronary chronic total occlusion (IS-CTO) and de novo coronary chronic total occlusion (de novo CTO). This study compared the long-term clinical outcomes and health status of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with IS-CTO versus patients with de novo CTO in the drug-eluting stent era. We screened 483 consecutive patients with 1 CTO lesion, including 81 patients with IS-CTO and 402 patients with de novo CTO. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. The clinical end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The success rates of CTO lesion revascularization were similar in both groups. In the propensity score-matched patients, after a median follow-up of 36 months, MACE was observed in 32.8% of patients with IS-CTO versus 13.5% of the patients with de novo CTO (P < .001), mainly driven by target-vessel revascularization (21.9% vs 6.7%; P < .01). Moreover, patients with IS-CTO had significantly worse Seattle Angina Questionnaire anginal stability scores than the patients with de novo CTO. In conclusion, patients with IS-CTO after PCI had a worse clinical outcome, mainly MACE, and a poorer anginal stability in the long term than patients with de novo CTO.

The Canadian Contribution to Science, Techniques, Technology, and Education in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Chronic total occlusions are considered the most complex coronary lesions in interventional cardiology. This article reviews the Canadian clinical and academic contributions to this field, including innovative procedural techniques, teaching and proctoring, clinical research, and the development of novel tools and therapies.

Angiographic Scoring System for Predicting Successful Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of In-Stent Chronic Total Occlusion

The purpose of this study was to develop a scoring model to predict the technical success of recanalizing via antegrade approach in-stent chronic total occlusion (IS-CTO) by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We retrospectively collected data from 474 patients who underwent an uneasy IS-CTO PCI via antegrade approach from January 2015 to December 2018, consecutively. We selected clinical and angiographic factors and utilized a derivation and validation cohort (4:1 sampling ratio) analysis. Factors with strong correlations with technical failure, according to multivariable analysis, were assigned 1 point, and a scoring system with a 4-point maximum was established. The model was then validated with a validation cohort. The overall procedural success rate was 77.4%. On multivariable analysis, the factors that correlated with technical failure were proximal bending (beta coefficient [β] = 2.142), tortuosity (β = 2.622), stent under expansion (β = 3.052), and poor distal landing zone (β = 2.004). The IS-CTO score demonstrated good calibration and excellent predicting capacity in the derivation (receiver-operator characteristic [ROC] area = 0.973 and Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-squared = 5.252; p = 0.072) and validation (ROC area = 0.976 and Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-squared = 0.916; p = 0.632) cohorts. In the validation subset, the IS-CTO score demonstrated superior performance to the Japanese chronic total occlusion score (J-CTO) and PROGRESS CTO scores for predicting technical success (area under the a curve [AUC] 0.976 vs. 0.642 vs. 0.579, respectively; difference in AUC between the IS-CTO score and J-CTO score = 0.334, p < 0.01; difference in AUC between the IS-CTO score and PROGRESS score = 0.397, p < 0.01). Our results suggest that the IS-CTO score system is a helpful tool to predict the technical success of IS-CTO PCI via antegrade approach in china. Graphical Abstract.

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 in-stent 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 PCI vs. 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 PCI vs. failed PCI: 40.8% vs. 40.0%; adjusted HR: 1.025; 95% CI: 0.683-1.538; P = 0.905), heart failure (successful PCI vs. 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 PCI vs. failed PCI: 1.5% vs. 2.7%; adjusted HR: 1.150; 95% CI: 0.221-5.995; P = 0.868), MACE (successful PCI vs. 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.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion

Treatment of coronary chronic total occlusions represents one of the major challenges in the field of interventional cardiology. This is due to the complexity of these procedures and to the relatively higher risk of complications. In recent years, the development of innovative techniques and the evolution of materials have produced significant progress in this field. Better procedural outcomes have been achieved, with fewer complications. This article highlights the most recent scientific evidence and techniques, with the intention to guide interventional cardiologists in optimal patient selection and procedure choice.

A prospective evaluation of a redefined version of the "minimalistic hybrid approach" algorithm for percutaneous coronary chronic total occlusion revascularization

OBJECTIVES

Aim of this study is to prospectively assess the feasibility of the "Minimalistic Hybrid Approach" (MHA) algorithm for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

We recently described the MHA, with focus on the classic hybrid strategies (antegrade wire escalation [AWE] or retrograde wire escalation [RWE], antegrade dissection-re-entry [ADR] or retrograde dissection-re-entry [RDR]), and also on access site (favoring "wrist" approach: radial, ulnar, and distal radial), introducer French size (favoring 6 French catheters) and nonroutine initial use of dual injection.

METHODS

The MHA was prospectively attempted in 56 consecutive CTO PCI in 54 patients. Technical success was defined as the achievement of TIMI 3 antegrade flow with residual stenosis <30%, procedural success was defined as technical success without in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

Mean Japanese-CTO (J-CTO) score was 2.04 ± 0.95(J-CTO score ≥ 3 in 30.4%). The lesion-based technical and procedural success were 94.6%(53/56:three failures, two in the same patient) and 91.1%(51/56:three failures, one tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis and one periprocedural infarction), the patient-based successes were: technical 98.1%(53/54) and procedural 94.4%(51/54). In 34 procedures (60.7%), the approach was single catheter (always trans-wrist besides one femoral). Out of the 22(39.3%) lesions approached with dual catheters, one was bi-femoral, the rest was bi-wrist. In 29 cases (51.8%) AWE represented the successful technique, ADR in 5(8.9%) and retrograde in 19(33.9%); 3(5.4%) were failures.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study shows that the MHA algorithm is feasible in almost every CTO lesion and it can lead to extremely successful results once applied by operators well acquainted with the wrist approach and with established experience using the full spectrum of the hybrid algorithm techniques.

Multicenter experience with the antegrade fenestration and reentry technique for chronic total occlusion recanalization

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antegrade fenestration and reentry (AFR) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) recanalization in a multicenter registry.

BACKGROUND

Adoption of antegrade dissection/reentry (ADR) for CTO recanalization has been limited, and novel ADR techniques are needed.

METHODS

AFR involves the balloon-induced creation of multiple fenestrations between the false and true lumen. A targeted true lumen reentry is subsequently achieved with a low tip-load polymer-jacketed guidewire. Following the initial description and dissemination of AFR, patients undergoing AFR-based CTO recanalization at nine centers were included in the present registry. Study endpoints were AFR success, procedural success, and target-lesion failure (TLF) on follow-up.

RESULTS

We included 41 patients. Mean J-CTO score was 2.5 ± 1.4. In 80.5% of cases, AFR was performed after failed antegrade wire escalation. Another ADR technique was used before AFR in one-third of cases. AFR achieved distal true lumen reentry in n = 27/41 (65.9%) cases. In n = 14/41 (34.1%) cases with AFR failure, use of alternative techniques led to successful CTO recanalization in eight additional patients. The overall technical and procedural success rates were 85.4% and 82.9%, respectively. No AFR-related complications were observed. One-year TLF rate was 8.3% overall, with no differences between successful and failed AFR.

CONCLUSIONS

We report on AFR feasibility in a multicenter registry of patients undergoing CTO recanalization. We observed a moderate success rate, coupled with the absence of complications. Moreover, even a failed AFR attempt did not preclude the use of alternative techniques to achieve recanalization. Further studies should confirm and extend our findings.

Long-term clinical effects of recanalization of chronic coronary total occlusions in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present analysis is to evaluate the clinical impact of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) recanalization in patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND

According to contemporary knowledge, patient selection for percutaneous CTO revascularization is not yet standardized. In particular, data on outcomes in patients with LV systolic dysfunction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for CTO are scarce.

METHODS

From a total of 2,421 consecutive patients with at least one CTO, 436 patients with ejection fraction (EF) ≤45%, who were referred for coronary angiography between January 1998 and September 2014, were selected. Patients with successful recanalization of the target CTO were assigned to CTO-revascularized group and those with failed or not attempted recanalization to the CTO-not revascularized (CTO-NR) group. Study endpoints were all-cause death, cardiac death, and occurrence of myocardial infarction on follow-up.

RESULTS

Out of 436 CTO patients with reduced EF, 228 (52.3%) were successfully recanalized and 208 patients (47.7%) were not, either due to CTO-PCI failure (n = 106, 24.3%) or because CTO-PCI was not attempted (n = 102, 23.4%). At long-term follow-up, CTO-NR patients had significantly higher rate of overall (p = .021) and cardiac mortality (p = .035) compared to those successfully revascularized.

CONCLUSION

In patients with systolic LV dysfunction (EF ≤ 45%), CTO revascularization was associated with significant lower rate of total and cardiac mortality compared to those with nonrevascularized CTO.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in aorto-ostial coronary chronic total occlusion: outcomes and technical considerations in a multicenter registry

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for aorto-ostial chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) can be a particularly challenging lesion subset. The aim of this study was to analyze the technical aspects and outcomes of aorto-ostial CTO PCI in a multicenter registry.

METHODS

Patients undergoing aorto-ostial CTO PCI at 4 centers between February 2013 and December 2018 were included. Success rates, as well as procedural aspects and outcomes, were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients were included. Mean age was 64±10 years and the mean J-CTO score was 3.1±1.1. Thirty-one lesions (30.4%) were flush ostial CTOs. Technical and procedural success were achieved in 79 (76.7%) and 78 (75.7%) of the patients, respectively. The retrograde approach was the most frequent successful crossing technique (n=49; 62.0%), especially in flush vs nonflush aorto-ostial CTOs (82.6% vs 53.5%; P=.02). The only variable independently associated with technical failure was the absence of interventional collaterals (OR, 12.38; 95%CI, 4.02-38.15; P <.001). Coronary perforation occurred in 4 patients (3.9%) requiring covered stent implantation (without subsequent cardiac tamponade) and 2 patients (1.9%) had a stroke (one of which was a transient ischemic attack). During a median follow-up of 31 months, 3 (2.9%) patients died from cardiovascular causes and 13 (12.6%) required repeat target vessel revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

Aorto-ostial occlusions represent a challenging subset for PCI. However, an acceptable success rate with favorable outcomes during follow-up can be achieved by experienced operators. The presence of interventional collaterals allowing the use of the retrograde approach is key for achieving procedural success.

Long-Term Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Recanalization Versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Complex Non-Occlusive Coronary Artery Disease

The durability of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is uncertain. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of CTO PCI with those of complex non-CTO PCI. We built a single-center registry including all patients who underwent CTO and complex non-CTO PCI between 2012 and 2017. Complex non-CTO PCI was defined as: 3 vessels treated, ≥3 stents implanted, total stent length >60 mm, saphenous vein graft intervention, 2-stent bifurcation intervention, left main PCI, protected PCI, or rotational/laser atherectomy. The primary endpoint was target-lesion failure, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target-lesion revascularization. A total of 2,396 patients were included (n=609 CTO PCI, n=1,787 complex non-CTO PCI). Patients who underwent CTO PCI were younger and had higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities. CTO PCI patients exhibited worse procedural metrics and success rate (74% vs 98%, p <0.001). They also suffered a higher incidence of coronary perforation (3.5% vs 2.0%, p = 0.04) and cardiac tamponade (0.8% vs 0.1%, p = 0.001). However, there was no difference in the overall incidence of in-hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (4.1% vs 5.0%, p = 0.40). At 36 months, there were no differences in the incidence of target-lesion failure (10.1% vs 9.9%, p = 0.91) or its individual components, between the CTO and complex non-CTO group. This finding was confirmed on multivariable analysis. In conclusion, CTO PCI is associated with lower success rates and higher risk for coronary perforation and tamponade compared with complex non-CTO PCI. The incidence of other in-hospital and long-term adverse events is similar and reasonably low.

Impact of Elevated Serum Uric Acid Level on Target Lesion Revascularization After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion

Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) level is reportedly associated with subsequent cardiovascular events including revascularization in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the impact of SUA level on revascularization in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO), one of the highest risk subsets in coronary artery disease, is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of SUA level on target lesion revascularization (TLR) in contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for CTO. A total of 165 patients who underwent successful PCI with new-generation drug-eluting stent for CTO under intravascular ultrasound guidance were included. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to the tertiles of SUA level at baseline. Coronary angiography was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed, and gray-scale intravascular ultrasound was also analyzed. The primary end point was TLR. The tertiles of SUA level were as follows: low tertile, ≤5.2 mg/dl; intermediate tertile, 5.3 to 6.4 mg/dl; and high tertile, ≥6.5 mg/dl. During a median follow-up of 34 months, TLR was observed in 5 patients (8.8%) in the low tertile, in 5 (9.4%) in the intermediate tertile, and in 14 (25.5%) in the high tertile (p = 0.02). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of TLR in patients with high tertile than the low and intermediate groups. Multivariable analysis showed SUA ≥6.5 mg/dl, diabetes mellitus, and longer CTO length as independent predictors of TLR. In conclusion, in patients who underwent PCI with drug-eluting stent, elevated SUA level was associated with TLR after successful recanalization of CTO.

Conventional vascular access site approach versus fully trans-wrist approach for chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: a multicenter registry

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of vascular complication and major bleeding in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a fully trans-wrist access (TWA) approach versus a conventional approach based on trans-femoral access (TFA).

BACKGROUND

TFA is the preferred vascular access in CTO PCI, but it has been associated with a non-negligible risk of complications.

METHODS

This retrospective registry included all patients undergoing CTO PCI at five institutions between July 2011 and October 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: Conventional (patients treated with at least one TFA) and Fully TWA (subjects exclusively treated with one or two TWA). The primary safety endpoint was a composite of vascular complications and major bleeding. The primary efficacy endpoint was procedural success.

RESULTS

We included 1,900 patients (Conventional n = 1,496 and Fully TWA n = 404). Conventional patients showed higher occlusion complexity (J-CTO score 2.1 ± 1.2 vs. 1.5 ± 1.1, p < .001). Procedural success showed no significant difference between both groups (85.7 vs. 83.0%, p = .17). The primary safety endpoint occurred more frequently in the Conventional group (10.3 vs. 4.5%, p < .001), driven by vascular complications (9.4 vs. 3.7%, p < .001). On multivariate analysis, not using a Fully TWA approach was an independent predictor of the study endpoint, after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, body mass index, chronic kidney disease, prior coronary artery bypass graft, and J-CTO score.

CONCLUSIONS

Embracing a Fully TWA approach for CTO PCI might be associated with lower incidence of a composite endpoint of vascular complications and major bleeding, compared with a Conventional approach.

Outcomes of the amphilimus-eluting polymer-free stent for chronic total occlusion treatment: a multicentre experience

AIMS

Late stent thrombosis and delayed vessel wall healing remain an important issue in coronary vessels treated with drug-eluting stents (DES), especially when long-vessel segments need to be covered, like in chronic total occlusions (CTO). Avoiding polymer use to avoid chronic inflammatory responses is a potential solution to reduce target vessel failure (TVF). We aimed to validate the clinical safety and efficacy at 1 year of the polymer-free Cre8 DES vs. nonpolymer-free DES for the percutaneous treatment of CTO.

METHODS

Between September 2011 and August 2016, patients were prospectively enrolled in three CTO centres. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including cardiac death, any myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, TVF and target vessel revascularization.

RESULTS

A total of 102 Cre8 and 133 non-Cre8 patients were enrolled. At 1 year, a low cumulative MACCE was observed in the Cre8 group (6.9%, respectively). Moreover, a numerical trend towards better MACCE was observed in the Cre8 group vs. the non-Cre8 group (6.9 vs. 14.3%; P = 0.065). The clinically driven TVF rate was not statistically different between Cre8 and non-Cre8 patients (6.9 vs. 9.8%; P = 0.373). A borderline significant difference regarding mortality was observed in favour of Cre8 patients (0 vs. 3.8%; P = 0.049).

CONCLUSION

Low rates of MACCE and TVF up to 1 year were observed in the Cre8 group, supportive of the use of polymer-free DES for lesions with high complexity.

Acute, in-Hospital Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for In-Stent Chronic Total Occlusion

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of total chronic total occlusion (CTO) still remains a major challenge in interventional cardiology. Recanalization of in-stent CTO (IS-CTO) is associated with inferior success rates. This present study aims to comparatively evaluate the acute outcome of patients with IS-CTO and de novo CTO.

METHODS

Between 2012 and 2018 we included 600 patients. Antegrade and retrograde CTO-PCI techniques were used and the primary endpoint was a composite safety endpoint comprising in-hospital death, vascular complications, cardiac tamponade, stroke and acute myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

IS-CTO predominantly occurred in the right coronary artery (71.2%). The success (p = 0.495) and complication rates (p = 0.255) were independent of the target vessel. The lesion lengths of IS-CTO were longer than in de-novo CTO (40 mm vs. 30 mm, statistical trend p = 0.081) alongside with the implanted stent lengths (76 mm vs. 63 mm, statistical trend p = 0.070) and their diameter (3.5 mm vs. 3.0 mm, p < 0.001). We determined that procedural and fluoroscopy time were longer in patients with IS-CTO (115.0 min vs. 93.0 min, p = 0.018 and 40.0 min vs. 30.0 min, p = 0.040) and that in this group of patients the amount of contrast medium was higher (250 ml vs. 200 ml, p = 0.015). Overall success rates were comparable between the two group of patients (87.9% vs. 84.4%, p = 0.586). In-hospital, acute procedural complications regarding the composite safety were rare and showed no statistically significant difference (3.0% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.563).

CONCLUSIONS

Recanalization of in-stent CTO lesions go along with long procedural and high fluoroscopy times as well as an increased amount of contrast medium. Compared to de novo CTO they can be performed safe in experienced hands with similar success rates.

Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion Versus Non-Occlusive Coronary Artery Disease

Contrast volume is associated with the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), and CIN risk could be particularly high in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of CIN in patients who underwent CTO versus non-CTO PCI. All PCIs performed at our institution from January 2012 to December 2016 were included in this study. CIN was defined as an increase of ≥0.3 mg/dl or ≥50% from baseline within 72 hours. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of CIN. A total of 2,580 patients were included (n = 309 CTO PCI and n = 2271 non-CTO PCI). Estimated glomerular filtration rate was lower in the non-CTO group (73.9 ± 27.3 vs 77.1 ± 24.7 ml/min/1.73/m², p = 0.05). Patients in the non-CTO PCI group presented more often with acute coronary syndrome (47% vs 15%, p < 0.001). Contrast volume (347 ± 159 vs 215 ± 107 ml, p < 0.001) and contrast-volume-to-creatinine-clearance ratio (4.7 ± 2.1 vs 3.2 ± 1.8, p < 0.001) were higher in the CTO group. There was no difference in CIN rates between CTO and non-CTO groups (9.4% vs 12.1%, p = 0.17). This was confirmed in a sensitivity analysis including only patients who underwent PCI in a stable clinical setting (7.7% vs 8.5%, p = 0.66). On multivariate analysis hypotension during/before PCI (odds ratio [OR] 2.86), acute coronary syndrome (OR 1.86), age (OR 1.54), female sex (OR 1.51), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.64), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.49), and contrast volume (OR 1.17) were independent predictors of CIN, while CTO PCI was not. In conclusion, CTO PCI is associated with similar rates of CIN, compared with non-CTO PCI. These findings persisted on sensitivity and multivariable analyses.