Improved recanalization of chronic total coronary occlusions using an optical coherence reflectometry-guided guidewire.

Successful percutaneous therapy of chronic total occlusions is limited predominantly by the inability to cross the lesion. We report our experience of 29 chronic total occlusions (CTOs) that could not be crossed with conventional wires and subsequently underwent attempted recanalization facilitated using a wire navigated with optical coherence reflectometry. Mean length of occlusion was 22.1 mm (range, 4.5-88.7 mm). Successful recanalization was achieved in a further 15 (51.7%), with no complications of tamponade, myocardial infarction, or death. These results demonstrate that this wire can be a useful tool in addition to conventional wires in the treatment of CTO. (c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.