Novel devices and specialized techniques in recanalization of peripheral artery chronic total occlusions (CTOs)--a literature review.

Currently, recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) in peripheral arteries remains a challenging obstacle encountered by clinical practitioners. Percutaneous CTO interventions are associated with low rates of procedural success using standard guidewires and catheters. When guidewires cannot cross the occluded segment or fail to reenter the true lumen after subintimal crossing of the occlusion, successful recanalization may be unachievable. In the last few years, the emergence of novel devices and new techniques has dramatically improved the success rates of the revascularization for CTOs. This paper reviews the published data of current devices and specialized techniques of percutaneous intervention to relieve CTOs.