Complications of Recanalization of Chronic Total Occlusion

Abstract

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) of Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO) is an accepted revascularization procedure. These complex procedures carry with them certain risks and potential complications. Complications of PCI such as contrast induced renal dysfunction, radiation, etc, assume more relevance given the length and complexity of these procedures. Further, certain complications such as donor vessel injury, foreign body entrapment are unique to CTO PCI. A thorough understanding of the potential complications is important in mitigating risk during these complex procedures.

Merely subintimal coronary plaque modification improves health status: Not all CTO recanalization failures are alike?

“…Also, evidences suggest that the risk of procedure-related complications may be higher in CTO recanalization than in non-CTO interventions [2]. At 1-month, patients treated with "subintimal plaque modification" had larger increases in health status as assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire.…”

“…Also, evidences suggest that the risk of procedure-related complications may be higher in CTO recanalization than in non-CTO interventions [2]. Despite remarkable technological progresses in devices and guidewires for CTO over the last years, recanalization of a chronically occluded vessel still represents the "final frontier" of percutaneous coronary intervention.…”