Chronic Total Occlusions, challenging but very possible

Original title: Predictors of Reocclusion After Successful Drug-Eluting Stent–Supported Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusion. The Florence CTO PCI Registry. Reference: Renato Valenti et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2013; article in press.

Previous registry data have shown a reduction in mortality rates in patients with successful recanalization of a Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) compared to patients with failed CTO recanalization or to those not intervened. 

Intuitively, this survival benefit is associated to sustained vessel patency. The goal of this study was to assess reocclusion incidence and identification of predictors of reocclusion after successful DES supported chronic coronary recanalization.

Procedure was indicated when viable myocardium in the occluded vessel territory was objected, when no angiographic characteristic was considered as a contraindication for recanalization. The primary objective was reocclusion of vessel with angiographic follow up. Between 2003 and 2011 at least one CTO in 1035 consecutive patients was attempted. From this total, 802 patients (77%) of procedures were successful. Angiographic follow up was performed to 82% of the eligible population, the rest were free of angina. 

The primary end point (reocclusion rate) was 7.5% in general with a significant difference between 1st generation DES (Cypher and Taxus) vs. Xience V (10.1% vs. 3% respectively; p=0.001). At one year, mortality was 3.2%, infarction 0.9% and revascularization 12.8% for the general population. Major cardiovascular events were significantly less with Xience V vs. 1st generation DES (11.6% vs. 19% respectively; p=0.005) mainly due to a lower revascularization.

Conclusion 

Recanalization of a CTO is associated to a low incidence of reocclusion of the treated vessel.

Editorial Comment:

There are limitations, as in any other registry, the absence of randomization and the fact that the experience involves only one site; on the other hand, this is the largest evaluation of DES supported CTO with angiographic follow up. Initial success was 77% more than acceptable taking into account that no angiographic characteristic was a contraindication and that once success was achieved a revascularization rate of 10.5% with everolimus DES is better yet. This work does not encourage further attempts to gain experience in recanalization.

SOLACI.ORG

More articles by this author

Plaque Ruptures in Non-Culprit Arteries: Follow-Up With Intravascular Imaging

Plaque rupture remains one of the most important pathophysiological mechanisms in acute coronary syndromes. However, not all ruptures manifest clinically as ischemia, myocardial infarction,...

OCT-Detected High-Risk Plaques Predict Recurrent Events After Myocardial Infarction

After a myocardial infarction (MI), non-culprit lesions are often deferred when they are not flow-limiting (negative FFR). However, these lesions continue to represent an...

Ticagrelor vs Clopidogrel in ACS Patients Receiving DOAC After PCI: More Bleeding Without Ischemic Benefit?

In patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who require direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) and undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), current guidelines recommend a dual...

EuroPCR 2026 | 10-Year Left Main PCI: When Survival Is Similar, Should the Less Invasive Strategy Prevail?

The primary goal of revascularization in left main coronary artery disease (LMCA) is to improve survival. However, debate continues regarding whether, in anatomically suitable...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related Articles

SOLACI Sessionsspot_img
Jornadas Guatemala 2026

Recent Articles

SPYRAL Program: 3-Year Outcomes in Patients Treated with Renal Denervation

Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains a major global health challenge, affecting more than one billion adults worldwide.  Despite...

Coronary Obstruction During TAVI: A New Volumetric Index to Consider

Coronary obstruction during TAVI is an uncommon but potentially catastrophic complication, particularly in valve-in-valve procedures, in anatomies with small sinuses of Valsalva, low coronary...

EARLY TAVR: Impact of Age on Outcomes of Early TAVR in Asymptomatic Patients

Asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis represents an increasingly common clinical challenge. Although current guidelines recommend intervention once symptoms develop or left ventricular dysfunction occurs, concerns...