Chronic total occlusions - Current techniques and future directions.

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of coronary arteries represent a common and significant challenge to interventional cardiology. Medical therapy is often regarded as an adequate long term strategy in the management of these lesions with surgical intervention for refractory symptoms. Extensive collateralisation is used as a marker of distal coronary perfusion, further reinforcing non-invasive strategies. This together with relatively low percutaneous success rates outside of specialised centres has meant that rates of percutaneous intervention have remained low. Increasing evidence suggests that CTOs are not a benign entity. Further, symptom control and quality of life improve significantly with successful percutaneous revascularisation. Both factors have reignited interest in percutaneous modalities. The Japanese have been pioneers in the field of CTO intervention although their success rates have been difficult to replicate. New techniques and equipment developed in North America offer an alternative to the Japanese approach. These techniques focus on time, radiation and contrast minimisation. This review will assess the histopathology of CTO and shifting paradigms in CTO treatment strategies.

Introduction

A chronic total occlusion (CTO) is usually defined as a total obstruction of a coronary artery of greater than three months duration. The duration of occlusion has implications for the histopathological characteristics and the success rates associated with intervention. It can occasionally be determined from previous angiography. However, often a combination of clinical history and angiographic features is required to support the diagnosis.

Among patients diagnosed with coronary disease on angiography, CTO’s are common, occurring in 20 to 30% of patients [1]. The presence of a CTO often influences treatment recommendations and is the strongest predictor of referral for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) [2]. Revascularisation remains challenging irrespective of the modality selected. For example, in the SYNTAX trial [3], percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of CTO lesions was successful in 49% percent of patients. The surgical success rates were only marginally better at 68%. Currently, PCI success rates of greater than 80% are being reported in specialist Japanese, American and European Centres [4]. Despite this, referral for PCI remains low in many countries and the reasons are likely multifactorial. Firstly, the historically poor success rates that characterised early interventional experience continue to affect referral behaviour. While there is a large volume of retrospective data, there is a lack of randomised data supporting the benefit of CTO revascularisation on morbidity and mortality. This review will focus on the development of new techniques for CTO PCI with an emphasis on procedurally relevant histopathology and the differing methodologies that have emerged from sites in Japan and the United States of America. A discussion of the prognostic importance of CTOs and the rationale for revascularisation is beyond the scope of this review and has been published elsewhere [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27].

Histopathology of CTO lesions

CTOs consist of a proximal and a distal cap with an intervening occluded segment. In one histological study the proximal cap was more likely to be fibro-calcific than the distal cap. This has implications for the particular percutaneous approach selected and explains the rationale behind retrograde strategies. Despite complete occlusion on angiography, CTOs have vascular channels that span the occluded segment [28], [29]. These channels help to protect the vessel wall against the flow limiting effects of intimal plaque progression. There are two types of histological vascular channels within the occluded segment of the CTO: [28], [29]

Endothelialised microchannels (160 to 230 μm) generated via neovascularisation that span the CTO from proximal to distal cap. These are termed histologically recanalised segments.

Micro capillaries (< 100 μm) that pass into small side branches or into the vaso vasorum. The vaso vasorum is a network of vessels that arise in adventitial layers and provide nutrients to the vessel wall. These micro capillaries are termed non-recanalised segments, as they do not connect the proximal and distal caps.

Histologically recanalised segments may allow coronary wires to pass through the lumen of the CTO within endothelialised microchannels and across the occlusion. Non-recanalised segments are predisposed to subintimal wire passage. Short occlusions with a tapered stump are more likely to have histologically recanalised segments than longer occlusions. All CTOs with a non-tapered (ambiguous) entry point examined histologically had non-recanalised micro capillaries [28].

The precise composition of the intervening occluded segment is influenced by the age of the occlusion. In younger CTO lesions there is softer cholesterol laden material between the proximal and distal caps that typically consists of organised thrombus, extracellular matrix, smooth muscle cells and lipid deposits (so called loose tissue) [28], [29]. This soft material contains endothelialised microchannels. Dense fibro-calcific areas and micro capillary formation characterise older occlusions. These histopathological characteristics provide the theoretical basis for many of the CTO PCI techniques discussed later.

The CTO has traditionally been divided into “luminal” vs “subintimal spaces”. The luminal space is defined as the space containing blood when the artery was patent and is encircled by the intimal (endothelial) layer. The subintimal space refers to that space external to the intimal layer but within the vessel architecture. This includes the media (smooth muscle) and adventitial layers. The internal elastic membrane (IEM) surrounds the intimal layer and the external elastic membrane (EEM) surrounds the media and is bounded by adventitia. During CTO PCI, subintimal wire passage is within the media between the IEM and the EEM following the path of least resistance. This theoretical distinction is relevant when discussing the various percutaneous techniques.

For the myocardium to remain viable in an area subtended by a CTO there must be collateral circulation. This can occur via antegrade bridging collaterals from the culprit vessel or retrograde collaterals from a contralateral vessel. The ability of collateral vessels to provide sufficient flow to maintain coronary perfusion under rest and stress can be difficult to assess. Angiographic size may not predict the functionality of collaterals. Collateral flow distal to the CTO can further be compromised by epicardial or microvascular disease in a contralateral vessel supplying collaterals. The traditional teaching regarding the concept of “adequacy of collateralisation” in preventing ischaemia in CTOs is now challenged by physiological evidence. One study assessed 62 patients undergoing CTO PCI. Sixty-one patients had physiologically significant ischaemia across the occlusion using FFR, irrespective of the angiographic appearance of collaterals. In addition, preserved left ventricular systolic function (present in 39 patients) did not predict adequacy of collaterals [30].

Clinical and procedural considerations

Clinical indications for CTO revascularisation are the initial consideration and include the severity of symptoms, level of medical therapy, age and comorbid disease. In particular the presence of renal impairment, cognitive impairment and medication non-concordance may influence whether to proceed with PCI or CABG compared with medical therapy. If an evaluation of ischaemia is required then the preferred method depends upon local availability and expertise. Following informed consent, patient preference may alter the options considered. When it has been concluded that revascularisation with PCI is indicated, the procedure requires thorough planning. Procedural success depends upon careful review of the angiogram including stump morphology, length of occlusion, calcification and presence and extent of collaterals.

Traditional factors that predict a lower PCI procedural success rate include length of occlusion greater than (>) 20 mm, presence of calcification within the lesion and/or artery, native vessel CTO after CABG and the presence of bridging collaterals [31], [32], [33]. A tapered tip occlusion is more favourable than a blunt “cut-off”, as is the absence of side branches in close proximity to the occlusion [31], [32], [33].

The J-CTO score was developed to classify lesion complexity [32] (Fig. 1). A number of the lesion characteristics are included in the J-CTO score, which has also been proposed as a predictor of procedural success. This is a numerical score with higher values indicating greater procedure complexity (Fig. 1). Its predictive capability with regard to procedural success has been inconsistent. However, it has been shown to correlate with the duration required for successful intimal wire crossing [32]. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 1

The J-CTO score is used to characterise lesion complexity in a standardised way. Reproduced with permission from Morino et al. [32].

Fig. 2

The J-CTO score predicts the ability to cross the lesion antegrade in less than 30 min. This underpins the algorithm and rapid shifts in strategy advocated in the hybrid approach (see below) Reproduced with permission from Morino et al. [32].

An ‘ad hoc’ approach to PCI is widely discouraged to allow appropriate angiographic review and informed consent. Outcomes with PCI have also been linked with the following factors: [34], [35]

Operator experience [36]

Dual interventional cardiologist approach

‘Quarantined’ laboratory time to prevent time constraints

Pre procedure laboratory inventory review to ensure necessary equipment is available

Radiographer assistance and implementation of radiation minimisation techniques [37], [38].

In selected cases CT coronary angiography may assist in pre-planning by providing additional morphological features of the CTO; in particular vessel course, tortuosity and calcification [39], [40], [41].

Initiation of the procedure requires meticulous attention to arterial access. Bilateral femoral artery access is often performed due to the requirement for dual injection and larger guide catheters. At least 7F-guiding catheters are suggested for CTO intervention. Anchor balloon techniques require a 7F system. Techniques that require the use of a microcatheter simultaneously with IVUS, or the CrossBoss dissection system (Boston Scientific, Marlbourough, Massachusetts) require an 8F system. PCI for CTO is also feasible using radial access [42], [43]. A radial approach can be used for either the interventional or the donor guide catheter. The availability of sheathless Eau catheters (Asahi Intecc, Nagoya, Japan) allows a 7F and an 8F interventional lumen for device delivery. Based upon this there is increasing frequency of a combined femoral and radial access approach.

Simultaneous dual injection is critical for determining characteristics of the CTO including lesion length, proximal and distal cap morphology, site of side branches and extent of collaterals. Furthermore, single catheter antegrade injection should be avoided once dissection occurs in the antegrade space with subintimal entry as it may result in hydraulic enlargement of the dissection plane and resulting haematoma expansion [44].

Drug eluting stents (DES) are used almost exclusively to minimise the risk of restenosis [45]. In the GISSOC II-GISE study, DES usage resulted in a lower proportion of patients with recurrent ischaemia at 24 months after CTO PCI compared with bare metal stents (15.1% vs 32.1%, respectively; p = .01) [46].

Current PCI techniques

Recent years have seen the development of specialist operators, techniques and equipment that have improved success rates in CTO PCI. Since its inception, the Japanese have been at the forefront of CTO PCI pioneering the retrograde approach. This was in part driven by historically low rates of CABG and therefore the necessity to progress alternative treatments. Adaptations to the Japanese approach have more recently been published from high volume operators in the United States with similarly high rates of success. Both methods require the pre-procedural planning and set-up specified above.

The Japanese methodology [44], [47]

Japanese CTO specialists have propagated the traditional approach to CTO PCI. This technique usually begins with an antegrade (proximal to distal) approach. They have pioneered multiple strategies to cross the CTO antegrade. These include:

Single wire manipulation with wire escalation.

Parallel wiring.

Seesaw wiring.

Balloon anchoring.

IVUS guided wiring.

The aim is for a luminal cross of the occluded segment and a significant amount of time may be spent in achieving this. If the subintimal space is entered, the Japanese emphasise limiting the distance of antegrade dissection by attempting to re-enter quickly or switching to a retrograde strategy.

Antegrade approach

Single wire manipulation with wire escalation

Initially a soft hydrophilic wire (e.g. Fielder XT-A, Asahi Intecc) is chosen with the aim of seeking out microchannels to traverse the CTO in the intimal space (soft probing). Non-hydrophilic wires with increasing penetration force are used as needed in fibrous CTO segments for loose tissue tracking or intimal plaque tracking [47]. Gradual escalation of wire tip load aims to traverse the CTO with the safest wire, reducing the chance of perforation — the “wire escalation strategy” [47]. Increasingly, the Japanese are using the Gaia wire (Asahi Intecc) during wire escalation. This is a novel CTO wire utilising composite core technology that theoretically allows greater directional control within the body of the CTO without compromising penetration power. Consequently, manipulation via redirection and penetration is required. They have begun to incorporate this wire early during wire escalation for loose tissue and intimal plaque tracking, as well as retrograde distal cap penetration. Protocol based wire escalation cannot be compiled due to variability among Japanese operators.

An overview of available CTO wires is shown above (Table 1). Higher tip load/penetration force wires (particularly if hydrophilic or polymer jacketed e.g. Pilot 200, Abbott) increase the chance of subintimal tracking or passage outside of the vessel architecture. Traditional high penetration force CTO wires (e.g. Conquest Pro, Asahi Intecc) are hydrophobic at the tip and are difficult to redirect, with an associated risk of perforation in tortuous vessels and over long segments.

Table 1

An overview of currently available wires used in CTO.

Wire	Manufacturer	Design/Lengths	Coating	Tip load (g)	Penetration force kg/in.2
Fielder FC	Asahi	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in., 180 and 300 cm lengths.	Hydrophilic, polymer jacket	0.8	N/A
Fielder XT	Asahi	Tapered tip 0.009 in. Shaft 0.014 in., 180 and 300 cm lengths	Hydrophilic, polymer jacket	0.8	N/A
Fielder XT — A(A for antegrade)	Asahi	Tapered tip 0.009 in. Shaft 0.014 in., 180 and 300 cm lengths	Hydrophilic, polymer jacket	1.0	N/A
Fielder XT — R(R for retrograde collateral cross)	Asahi	Tapered tip 0.009 in. Shaft 0.014 in., 180 and 300 cm lengths	Hydrophilic, polymer jacket	0.6	N/A
Pilot 50	Abbott	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in., 190 and 300 cm lengths	Hydrophilic, polymer jacket	1.5	N/A
SionFor retrograde collateral cross	Asahi	Non-Tapered tip. 0.014 in., 180 and 300 cm lengths	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed over spring coil and tip.	0.7	N/A
Sion BlueWorkhorse wire for procedure completion	Asahi	Non-Tapered tip. 0.014 in., 180 and 300 cm lengths	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed over spring coil. Hydrophobic tip.	0.5	N/A
Gaia First	Asahi	Tapered tip 0.010 in. Shaft 0.014 in., 190 cm	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed. Tip hydrophilic	1.5	Penetration efficiency rather than power. On par with miracle 6
Gaia Second	Asahi	Tapered tip 0.011 in. Shaft 0.014 in., 190 cm	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed. Tip hydrophilic	3.5	Penetration efficiency rather than power. On par with miracle 12
Gaia Third	Asahi	Tapered tip 0.011 in. Shaft 0.014 in., 190 cm	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed. Tip hydrophilic	4.5	Penetration efficiency rather than power. On par with Conquest Pro 12
Miracle 3/MIRACLEbros 3	Asahi	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in., 180 cm length	Hydrophobic (silicone)	3.0	20
Miracle 4.5/MIRACLEbros 4.5	Asahi	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in., 180 cm length	Hydrophobic (silicone)	4.5	30
Miracle 6/MIRACLEbros 6	Asahi	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in., 180 cm length	Hydrophobic (silicone)	6.0	39
Miracle 12/MIRACLEbros 12	Asahi	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in., 180 cm length	Hydrophobic (silicone)	12.0	78
Ultimate Bros 3	Asahi	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in., 180 and 300 cm lengths	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed	3	20
Pilot 150	Abbott	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in., 190 and 300 cm length	Hydrophilic, polymer jacketed	2.7	N/A
Pilot 200	Abbott	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in., 190 and 300 cm length	Hydrophilic, polymer jacketed	4.1	N/A
Conquest/Confianza	Asahi	Tapered tip 0.009 in. Shaft 0.014 in. 180 cm length. Spring coil length 20 cm	Hydrophobic (silicone)	9.0	142
Conquest Pro/Confianza Pro	Asahi	Tapered tip 0.009 in. Shaft 0.014 in., 180 cm length. Spring coil length 20 cm	Hydrophilic non-jacketed over spring coil. Hydrophobic tip and shaft	9.0	142
Conquest Pro 12/Confianza Pro 12	Asahi	Tapered tip 0.009 in. Shaft 0.014 in., 180 cm length. Spring coil length 20 cm	Hydrophilic non-jacketed over spring coil. Hydrophobic tip and shaft	12.0	189
Conquest Pro 8-20/Confianza Pro 8–20	Asahi	Tapered tip 0.009 in. Shaft 0.014 in., 180 cm length. Spring coil length 17 cm	Hydrophilic non-jacketed over spring coil. Hydrophobic tip and shaft	20.0	315
High Torque CROSS IT 100 XT	Abbott	Tapered tip 0.010 in. Shaft 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm length.	Hydrophilic including tip, non-jacketed	1.7	22
High Torque CROSS IT 200 XT	Abbott	Tapered tip 0.010 in. Shaft 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm length.	Hydrophilic including tip, non-jacketed	4.7	60
High Torque CROSS IT 300 XT	Abbott	Tapered tip 0.010 in. Shaft 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm length.	Hydrophilic including tip, non-jacketed	6.2	79
High Torque CROSS IT 400 XT	Abbott	Tapered tip 0.010 in. Shaft 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm length.	Hydrophilic including tip, non-jacketed	8.7	110
High Torque Progress 40	Abbott	Non-Tapered tip 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm length.	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed.	4.8	30
High Torque Progress 80	Abbott	Non-Tapered tip 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm length.	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed.	9.7	63
High Torque Progress 120	Abbott	Non-Tapered tip 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm length.	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed.	13.9	90
High Torque Progress 140T	Abbott	Tapered tip 0.0105 in. Shaft 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm length.	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed.	12.5	144
High Torque Progress 200T	Abbott	Tapered tip 0.009 in. Shaft 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm length.	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed.	13.3	209
Galeo Hydro S	BIOTRONIK	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 175 cm length.	Hydrophilic 12 cm including tip. Hydrophobic shaft. Non-jacketed	3.1	N/A
Galeo Hydro F	BIOTRONIK	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 175 cm length.	Hydrophilic 12 cm including tip. Hydrophobic shaft. Non-jacketed	6	N/A
Galeo Hydro M	BIOTRONIK	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 175 cm length.	Hydrophilic 12 cm including tip. Hydrophobic shaft. Non-jacketed	4.5	N/A
PT Graphix	Boston	Non-Tapered tip. 0.014 in.. 182 and 300 cm lengths	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed.	4.0	26
Shinobi	CORDIS	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 180 and 300 cm lengths	Hydrophillic. Teflon coated.	2.0	13
Shinobi Plus	CORDIS	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 180 and 300 cm lengths	Hydrophilic Teflon coated.	4.0	26
Persuader 3	MEDTRONIC	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm lengths.	Available in hydrophilic (non-jacketed) and hydrophobic forms. Tip hydrophobic in all variants	5.1	33
Persuader 6	MEDTRONIC	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm lengths.	Available in hydrophilic (non-jacketed) and hydrophobic forms. Tip hydrophobic in all variants	8	52
Persuader 9	MEDTRONIC	Tapered tip. 0.010 in., Shaft 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm lengths.	Available in hydrophilic (non-jacketed) and hydrophobic forms. Tip hydrophobic in all variants	9.1	96
Provia 3	MEDTRONIC	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 180 and 300 cm lengths.	Available in hydrophilic (non-jacketed) and hydrophobic forms. Tip hydrophobic in all variants	3	19
Provia 6	MEDTRONIC	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 180 and 300 cm lengths.	Available in hydrophilic (non-jacketed) and hydrophobic forms. Tip hydrophobic in all variants	6	39
Provia 9	MEDTRONIC	Tapered tip. 0.009 in., Shaft 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm lengths.	Available in hydrophilic (non-jacketed) and hydrophobic forms. Tip hydrophobic in all variants	9	142
Provia 12	MEDTRONIC	Tapered tip. 0.009 in., Shaft 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm lengths.	Available in hydrophilic (non-jacketed) and hydrophobic forms. Tip hydrophobic in all variants	12	189
Provia 15	MEDTRONIC	Tapered tip. 0.009 in., Shaft 0.014 in. 190 and 300 cm lengths.	Available in hydrophilic (non-jacketed) and hydrophobic forms. Tip hydrophobic in all variants	15	236
Muskie	VascularSolutions, Inc.	Non-Tapered tip. 0.014 in. 195 and 300 cm lengths.	Hydrophillic, non-jacketed	3	20
Muskie	Vascular Solutions, Inc	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 195 and 300 cm lengths.	Hydrophillic, non-jacketed	4.5	30
Muskie	Vascular Solutions, Inc	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 195 and 300 cm lengths.	Hydrophillic, non-jacketed	6	39
Muskie	Vascular Solutions, Inc	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 195 and 300 cm lengths.	Hydrophillic, non-jacketed	9	58
Muskie	Vascular Solutions, Inc	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 195 and 300 cm lengths.	Hydrophillic, non-jacketed	12	78
High Torque floppy extra support	Abbott	Soft tip, high shaft support	Hydrophobic	0.6	N/A
Grand slam	Asahi	Soft tip, high shaft support	Hydrophobic	0.7	N/A
Stabiliser	CORDIS	Soft tip, high shaft support	Hydrophobic	Very soft tip	N/A
Stabiliser Plus	CORDIS	Soft tip, very high shaft support	Hydrophobic	Very soft tip	N/A
RG 3	Asahi	Non-tapered tip. Tip 0.014 in., Shaft 0.010 in. 330 cm length	Hydrophilic, non-jacketed over the shaft	3.0	N/A
Rotawire	Boston Scientific	Monofilament wire. Tip 0.014 in. Shaft 0.009 in. 325 cm	Hydrophobic	N/A	N/A
ViperWire Advance	Cardiovascular systems	Non-tapered tip. 0.014 in. 330 cm	Hydrophobic	N/A	N/A

N.B. Penetration power is the tip load or tip stiffness (in kg) divided by the area of the wire tip (square inches). It is a better representation of wire penetration ability. Shaft stiffness is a different measure that assesses delivery of equipment along the wire shaft. Penetration efficiency is a new concept in relation to the Gaia wire (Asahi Intecc), which describes the coexistence of high penetration force with maintained steerability and torque response within the CTO segment. Tip load and tip diameter data obtained from the respective manufacturer.

Wire escalation is performed with an over the wire (OTW) microcatheter (Table 2). OTW balloons are rarely used, as they induce wire bias and have a profile that may make it difficult to cross the occluded segment after successful wiring.

Table 2

Overview of available microcatheters (data from manufacturer).

Microcatheter	Length	Material	Size	Comments	Maker
Corsair	135 cm(antegrade)150 cm(retrograde)	10 wires of tungsten braiding to form a metallic tube.Tapered soft tipand hydrophilic polymer coating	1.3Fdistal2.8F proximal	Tapered tip allows progress through occluded segment.Caution in calcified segments as over-rotation may lead to entrapment and unravelling. Mainstay device in CTO intervention.	Asahi
TornusTornus 88 Flex	135 cm135 cm	0.12 mm × 8wires0.18 mm × 8wiresIntertwined wires make up the shaft	2.1F proximal1.8F distal3.0F proximalto 2.1F distal	Corkscrew motion to forward advanceAdvance (counterclockwise rotation)Withdraw (clockwise rotation)After 20 turns of rotation open haemostatic valve to released kinetic energy. Always rotate clockwise to exit lesion.Tornus 88 Flex has twice the penetration ability	Asahi
Stride	105 cm,125 cm,130 cm	Stainless steel braiding	2.2 and 2.6F versions	Soft tip. Unlikely to traverse the CTO segment. Reduced wire bias compared to OTW balloon.	Asahi
Fine cross	135 cm150 cm	Hydrophilic coating	1.8F distal2.6F proximal	May allow passage due to small distal diameter. Highly deliverable.	Terumo
VentureOTW and monorail versions	140 cmOTW145 cm monorail	Deflectable catheter up to 90°	1.24 mm proximal0.56 mm distal	Steerable catheter for wiring tortuous and angulated branches	Vascular Solutions Inc
Crusade	140 cm		2.2F distal diameter	Double lumen with monorail and OTW component. Ideal for parallel wiring and bifurcation strategies	Kaneka

The microcatheter offers several advantages. Firstly it provides added support to the wire and increases penetration force. Secondly it allows maintaining position once the lesion is crossed and for wire exchange or wire reshaping. The Corsair catheter (Asahi Intecc) is an OTW hybrid catheter that has features of a microcatheter and a support catheter [48]. It has become the initial microcatheter of choice for most CTO interventions and is usually able to traverse occluded segments once wiring has occurred.

Microchannel navigation and loose tissue tracking utilise the traditional wire manipulation techniques used in conventional angioplasty. Intimal plaque tracking requires two CTO specific wire techniques during wire escalation [47]. Firstly controlled drilling, where the wire is spun through 360-degree rotations and very gently advanced forward such that the wire seeks its own path through the CTO (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3

Controlled drilling vs penetration for intimal plaque tracking.

Secondly, penetration involves pushing the wire with gentle rotation for penetration of calcified or fibrotic CTO segments. This is also useful for focused reentry to the true lumen from the subintimal space. The wire technique and shape required for these techniques are shown below (Fig. 4, Fig. 5).

Fig. 4

A 30 to 60 degree distal bend 1 to 2 mm from the tip should be placed on the wire for controlled drilling or penetration. Reentry into the true lumen requires a high penetration force wire with a more acute bend. Reproduced with permission from Thach N et al. Practical Handbook of Advanced Interventional Cardiology: Tips and Tricks, 4th Edition Wiley and Sons [49].

Fig. 5

Secondary bend 3 to 6 mm from the tip is useful if the proximal vessel is tortuous.

Parallel and seesaw wiring technique

In the parallel wire strategy, a wire that enters the subintimal space is left in position to seal that tract and act as a marker. Continued advancement of this wire close to the distal cap should be avoided as it can collapse the distal true lumen and make reentry difficult. A second penetrating wire is therefore introduced using a microcatheter and attempt made at redirection into the true lumen (Fig. 6). The Crusade Catheter (Kaneka, Osaka, Japan) is a double lumen microcatheter that contains both a monorail and an OTW port. It is ideally suited to parallel wiring by allowing the introduction of multiple wires without removal of the catheter from an optimal position.

Fig. 6

Parallel wire technique.

Seesaw wiring (Fig. 7) involves the use of two microcatheters and wires. It has the advantage of avoiding the need for complex exchange of OTW microcatheters. Also wires can be reshaped and their roles switched promptly.

Fig. 7

Seesaw wiring technique.

Anchor wire or anchor balloon technique

This involves placing a second support wire in a side branch proximal to the occlusion to increase support from the guiding catheter. The balloon anchoring technique involves inflating an appropriately sized balloon in the side branch to stabilise the guide and increase guide support. The disadvantages with these methods include the risk of injury to the side branch and ischaemia if the side branch supplies a large myocardial territory.

Intravascular ultrasound guided wiring technique

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) features heavily in the Japanese strategy.

IVUS guided proximal cap penetration may be used when an occlusion may be flush with a large side branch. An IVUS catheter can be placed in the proximal side branch for interrogation of the CTO lesion in the main lumen (Fig. 8). IVUS investigation also helps to examine the composition of the plaque and its consistency at the entry site.

Fig. 8

Flush occlusion with a side branch. Entry into the CTO from the side branch can be facilitated with IVUS placed in the side branch.

If the wire enters a false lumen after the distal cap, the IVUS can be advanced over this wire to investigate the distal true lumen and to assess a favourable reentry location (Fig. 9).

Fig. 9

IVUS placed in the subintimal space can help guide reentry to the true lumen.

Retrograde approach

Japanese CTO operators pioneered the retrograde CTO approach [44], [47], [50]. The retrograde approach refers to CTO access of the distal cap via collateral vessels. It is usually reserved as a second line strategy for failed intimal antegrade crossing. Failure occurs where the antegrade wire fails to make forward intimal progress or enters the subintimal space and prompt reentry to the true lumen is not possible. The overall aim is to connect antegrade and retrograde channels to allow successful CTO PCI. Reconnecting to the true lumen as close as possible to the proximal or distal cap of the CTO within normal vessel is ideal.

The retrograde approach requires the presence of useable collaterals from the opposing circulation and allows access to the CTO, via the softer distal cap. Angiographic collaterals can be divided into septal and epicardial channels which have different characteristics. Septal channels are safer for wire crossing, as they are less prone to rupture. Successful crossing is not always predictable based on angiographic appearance. In addition, small side branches and tortuosity are often underappreciated on angiography. The Japanese advocate careful progress with repeat injections through the microcatheter to confirm position in the correct channel. If perforation occurs, bleeding is normally contained and rarely results in catastrophic outcomes. Epicardial collaterals on the other hand are fragile and associated with high mortality if rupture occurs and is untreated (usually via cardiac tamponade).

In contrast to the antegrade strategy, subintimal tracking is not considered a failure as it facilitates procedural success using various strategies such as the reverse CART manoeuvre (see below).

The retrograde wire escalation strategy is initially used with a microcatheter to cross the body of the CTO. If the CTO is crossed in the intimal space, the wire is then externalised and angioplasty commences — termed retrograde wire cross. IVUS may be used over the antegrade wire to confirm that the retrograde wire is luminal prior to advancement through the proximal vessel.

Failure of luminal retrograde wire cross (either subintimal wire passage or failure to advance the wire within intima) increases procedural complexity. The Japanese will then introduce an antegrade wire (if not already present) — this is termed antegrade preparation. Subsequently, there are four possible fates for the antegrade and retrograde wires that require different strategies for successful retrograde CTO crossing. The possibilities are listed below (Table 3).

Table 3

An overview of connecting antegrade and retrograde channels for successful retrograde cross.

Wire position	Strategy
Antegrade intimalRetrograde intimal	1. Kissing wire technique. 2. Dilatation antegrade 3. Purposeful subintimal-tracking antegrade or retrograde
Antegrade subintimal Retrograde subintimal (Ideal situation)	1. Reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking (Reverse CART) using an adequately size antegrade balloon
Antegrade intimal Retrograde subintimal (least favourable)	1. Aggressive antegrade dilatation to disrupt the body of CTO and open a passage
Antegrade subintimal Retrograde intimal	1. Purposeful subintimal passage then advance knuckle retrograde and connect spaces via reverse CART. 2. CART procedure as second line with caution.

Firstly both antegrade and retrograde wires are in the intimal space. In this case the objective is either to advance the antegrade or retrograde wire with the opposing wire as a landmark toward the opposing channel — so called “kissing wire cross”. Antegrade balloon dilatation is the next strategy. This expands the antegrade channel to increase the chance of the retrograde wire finding the antegrade channel and advancing in the intima toward the antegrade guiding catheter. If this fails, intentionally penetrating the subintimal space with the antegrade wire followed by balloon inflation may increase success in connecting the channels.

The most favourable scenario is that both antegrade and retrograde wires are in the subintimal space. The two sides are usually connected when the antegrade space is enlarged via balloon dilatation. This is known as reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal-tracking (reverse CART) manoeuver (Fig. 10).

Fig. 10

Reverse CART technique. A. Angiographic depiction of the technique. B. A balloon is inflated over the antegrade wire within the subintimal (subluminal) space that is connected proximally to the true lumen. The retrograde wire is advanced toward the newly created space. Imaged reproduced with permission from Joyal et al. [50].

The most challenging scenario occurs where the retrograde wire is subintimal and the antegrade wire is in the true lumen. The difficulty arises because of a large layer of tissue between the two wires. Inflation with an adequately sized balloon in the antegrade space is vital to disturb the body of the CTO and open a passage into the subintimal space. This will allow the retrograde wire to engage the newly created space and hence the antegrade true lumen.

Finally the retrograde wire is intimal and the antegrade wire is subintimal. A CART procedure has been advocated to deal with this scenario. This involves dilating the tract retrograde — the opposite of the reverse CART. The routine use of the CART procedure in this scenario should be avoided, as there is inherent risk in delivering bulky devices along fragile collaterals. Advancing the wire retrograde until it reaches an adjacent subintimal space as the antegrade wire and finishing with a reverse CART to connect the spaces is a more efficient and safe method.

Equipment and wire management following successful CTO crossing

A number of procedural issues require specific attention once the spaces are united:

After retrograde crossing and during PCI, the retrograde microcatheter should remain in the distal portion of the native artery covering the collateral bed. Removal prior to PCI completion may result in wire induced collateral transection with resulting rupture.

After retrograde luminal connection the wire should be externalised (retrieved out the contralateral sheath). This is performed via wiring of the antegrade guiding catheter or by snaring and retrieving the wire. The retrograde wire used to cross the occlusion is too short for externalisation and is replaced with a long 300 to 325 cm wire.

Inability to perform balloon dilatation is an important problem particularly in highly calcified vessels. While rotational atherectomy through a dissection plane is generally contraindicated, the Japanese are confident in using this modality with small to medium burr sizing and in the absence of angiographic staining. If significant staining precludes rotational atherectomy, the procedure may need to be aborted to allow healing and the procedure rescheduled.

Removal of OTW equipment while maintaining distal wire position, or exchanging high tip load wires for softer workhorse wires can be achieved via three methods: doc wire, balloon trapping and the aqua plane technique. Regardless of the method used, reliable maintenance of distal wire position is pivotal to procedural success.

Limitations of disseminating the Japanese approach

There are barriers limiting dissemination of some aspects of the Japanese technique to other countries. Firstly the success of Japanese CTO specialists likely reflects a high case volume that allows development of superior wire technique and skill. Unique to Japan is the situation where patient preference results in low rates of CABG and this results in preferential treatment with PCI. Second, health systems outside of Japan may have greater financial and laboratory time limitations. Long case duration may not be feasible when laboratory time is limited. Finally, the Japanese approach is highly individualised making it difficult to teach and disseminate. Concerns have been raised over radiation and contrast volume during protracted cases.

The American methodology [34], [35], [49], [50]

In response to these limitations, the North American total occlusion group has developed an alternate strategy to CTO PCI — the “hybrid” approach. The stated aims of this strategy are to create a systematic approach to CTO intervention with the following goals:

Maximise success, while minimising radiation dose, contrast and procedural time.

Enhance the teaching and dissemination of CTO techniques and to reduce interoperator variability in CTO success rates via an algorithmic approach.

Focus on using workhorse equipment available in most interventional laboratories. Hence a small number of wires are suggested for routine inventory. It proposes easier integration into busy catheter laboratories with minimal interruption to work flow.

Clinical factors decide whether revascularisation is needed and precise dual injection angiography to delineate anatomy defines the appropriate technique.

Definite time limits are set for a given strategy with a rapid shift to an alternate approach if no headway is made at the specified time limit. Limitations are set on contrast volume and radiation dose and the procedure is aborted if unsuccessful despite multiple strategies. Failure does not preclude repeat intervention.

The proposed methodology is shown below (Fig. 11).

Fig. 11

The American methodology — “hybrid approach”. Anatomy defines the strategy [34], [35]. A minimal number of wire choices are available to simplify methodology, minimise cost and allow adoption of the technique in a variety of catheter laboratory environments.

The approach is dictated by 4 major anatomical factors — proximal cap anatomy, length of occlusion, the presence of a landing zone in the distal vessel, and the presence of usable septal or epicardial collaterals. As with the Japanese approach, procedural preparation is critical to success.

The antegrade approach requires defined proximal cap anatomy ideally with a tapered stump or defined entry point. The antegrade approach is technically demanding when the entry point is ambiguous or at a bifurcation.

Short lesion (< 20 mm)

The approach for short lesions is similar to the Japanese strategy. Wire escalation is chosen as the initial modality, as a successful luminal cross is more likely with short occlusions. The major differences are that specified time limits are set for a change in strategy if successful crossing is not achieved. Also, the technique proposes the use of only a few workhorse wires (likely present in most interventional labs) with rapid wire escalation to wires with a very high tip load if the lesion is not crossed. Intermediate tip load (3.0 to 6.0 g) wires are not present in this algorithm as these wires are felt to be more likely to enter the subintimal space. This is known as the “stiffer is safer” principle [34], [35].

CTO crossing is initially attempted with a soft tipped polymer jacketed wire to seek out microchannels — “probing” (e.g. Fielder FC/XT, Sion [Asahi Intecc], Pilot 50 [Abbott Vascular, Abbott Park, Illinois]). If this fails the next step is rapid escalation to stiffer wires such as the Conquest Pro 12 (Asahi Intecc) if there is a clear distal target. The Pilot 200 (Abbott Vascular) is suggested if the path is unclear or the vessel is tortuous.

Passage into the subintimal space requires an adaptation in strategy. The goal now shifts to traversing the CTO in the subintimal space utilising the safest possible method that minimises the risk of perforation. The algorithm advocates the use of a dedicated dissection/reentry device — the CrossBoss/Stingray reentry system (Boston Scientific). The CrossBoss (Fig. 12) [34], [35], [51] is a metal OTW microcatheter with a rounded tip to minimise the risk of perforation compared with advancing high tip load wires. It is designed to traverse the occluded segment through the subintimal space until it is adjacent to normal true lumen where reentry can occur. This device is rotated rapidly in either direction and advanced without a wire.

Fig. 12

CrossBoss dissection system (Boston Scientific) [51].

The Stingray device (Fig. 13) is then proposed to facilitate reentry to the true lumen [34], [35], [51]. It consists of a balloon that assumes a flat shape when inflated and allows orientation of the wire toward the adjacent true lumen. The balloon has 2 exit ports opposite one another with a radio-opaque marker distal to each port for orientation toward the true lumen. It includes a high penetration force wire with an extreme tapered distal tip (Stingray wire, Boston Scientific). The Stingray wire is advanced through the exit port into the true lumen to create a communicating channel with the subintimal space. It is then removed and a Pilot 200 used to find this newly created channel for entry into the true lumen and distal wire passage. The wire is then exchanged for a workhorse wire and stenting is performed distal to proximal in the routine fashion. In the absence of usable retrograde channels, inability to re-enter the true lumen antegrade represents a procedural failure and the procedure is terminated.

Fig. 13

The Stingray reentry system (Boston Scientific) [51].

Long lesions (> 20 mm)

The algorithm suggests subintimal tracking as an initial strategy for long segment (> 20 mm) lesions. The rationale is that for long lesions, intimal crossing is unlikely even in the hands of expert operators [32]. Early use of the CrossBoss/Stingray system is advocated to reduce procedural duration.

If antegrade dissection/reentry fails, retrograde bailout via the reverse CART strategy is recommended if useable collaterals exist.

The retrograde approach is proposed as a first line strategy where the proximal stump is ambiguous. Wire escalation retrograde through the distal cap is reserved for short lesions (< 20 mm). If the lesion is crossed into the proximal true lumen the wire can then be externalised.

Purposeful dissection retrograde from the outset is reserved for long lesions (> 20 mm). The knuckle wire technique is used as the dissection strategy of choice (Fig. 14). It has little risk of perforation due to the lack of wire tip contact with the subintimal space — hence it is more likely to remain in the vessel architecture. To perform this technique the stiff wire is removed and replaced with a broadly curved softer jacketed wire that is pushed (never rotated) and advanced through the subintimal space. A wire is then advanced from the antegrade direction and the spaces connected via the reverse CART as occurs with the Japanese strategy.

Fig. 14

A knuckle is formed on the retrograde wire by first fashioning a broad curve and then advancing forward. A soft polymer jacketed wire (e.g. Fielder XT, Pilot 50) is ideal. Image reproduced with permission from Joyal et al. [50].

Controversies of the North American approach

There are limitations with this strategy. A possible disadvantage with this approach is that purposeful subintimal tracking with a knuckle wire or CrossBoss may make it difficult to salvage large side branches. Many favour exhausting all attempts at true lumen cross when large side branches need to be preserved. In the absence of a dedicated reentry method (such as the Stingray balloon), or retrograde bailout (absence of usable collaterals or expertise), the procedure will terminate with subintimal wire passage if wire reentry is not possible. Purposeful dissection strategies increase the risk of haematoma formation in the subintimal space. Uncontrolled haematoma may rapidly compress the true lumen to the point where reentry is impossible. Haematoma management strategies include controlling knuckle size and the STRAW technique [34], [35].

The importance of minimising the distance of subintimal tracking is uncertain. The approach of creating long segments of antegrade dissection followed by reentry (the STAR technique) has been associated with significant restenosis in long term follow-up and is not widely practiced [52]. Subintimal tracking with the CrossBoss and Stingray system mimics the STAR technique in principle. Long term stent patency and clinical outcomes associated with stenting across large false channels created by these devices has not been assessed in controlled trials. In particular, the effects on stent endothelialisation, late acquired stent malapposition and duration of dual antiplatelet therapy are uncertain.

Management of complications

The risk of coronary perforation from the antegrade and retrograde approach was 0.4% in the J-CTO registry [32]. Management includes prolonged balloon inflation and covered stent implantation. Reversal of anticoagulation should be performed judiciously to prevent guide thrombosis. Pericardiocentesis is occasionally required and should be considered when rapid haemodynamic compromise occurs.

Collateral channel rupture is potentially fatal. Septal collateral rupture usually results in self-limiting septal haematoma and may be managed conservatively. Epicardial collateral rupture is more serious and often requires pericardial drainage followed by antegrade and retrograde coiling to complete haemostasis. Coils should be available and operators should be familiar with their use. Reversal of anticoagulation may be life saving but carries a risk of guide thrombosis, that may compromise non-occluded vessels.

Guide thrombosis is a potential complication during prolonged procedures. Regular activated clotting time (ACT) checks should be performed with a target ACT of > 300 s.

Contrast volume is closely monitored and should be minimised at all times.

Routine radiation minimisation techniques are particularly important with prolonged procedures. This involves monitoring patient skin dose, reducing fluoroscopy frame rates and angulation change of the image intensifier at regular intervals to prevent intensified skin doses. Intraprocedural blood loss should be minimised by careful attention to Y-adapter haemostasis.

Over treatment of distal disease should be avoided. Chronic under filling makes it difficult to assess true vessel size. With time, vasodilation and remodelling may result in significant improvements.

Conclusion

CTOs are a common and prognostically important finding during coronary angiography. Percutaneous intervention of chronic occlusions pioneered by the Japanese and adapted by North American operators now offers a feasible management strategy for patients. With mentorship, patient selection and specialised equipment PCI success rates are improving worldwide. While the Japanese and North American strategies appear divergent, both add considerable expertise to CTO strategies.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no relationships that could be construed as a conflict of interest.