Recanalization of coronary artery chronic total occlusion by retrograde approach

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is defined as a 100% obstruction of the blood vessel lumen with Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction grade 0 flow in the occluded segment at least three months old. Advancement of technological devices and techniques used during the percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in the past years brought more success in blood vessel recanalization. According to the latest guidelines for myocardial revascularization, the CTO treatment should be considered when there are symptoms or objective proof of viability or ischemia in the occluded area. The aim of this work is to present two cases with a recanalization of the coronary artery CTO by the retrograde approach. Outline of cases. The first patient had a single vessel coronary disease which led to a decision to first attempt PCI. During the attempt of antegrade recanalization, the guidewire penetrated subintimally, risking blood vessel dissection below the occluded area as well as serious complications. Retrograde approach enabled easier and safer passing of guidewire through the occlusion and then successful establishment of the antegrade flow. In the second case, the antegrade approach was also first attempted. Since it could not pass through the occluded area despite changing several guidewires, the strategy was changed during the intervention. It was continued with the retrograde approach, which led to the successful revascularization. Conclusion. These two cases demonstrate that retrograde approach and new technological improvements in dedicated guidewires can be implemented in everyday angiography practice for successful recanalization of CTO lesions.

Keywords

• coronary artery occlusion
• chronic totalocclusion
• percutaneous coronary interventions
• retrograde approach