Global Chronic Total Occlusion Crossing Algorithm: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

The authors developed a global chronic total occlusion crossing algorithm following 10 steps: 1) dual angiography; 2) careful angiographic review focusing on proximal cap morphology, occlusion segment, distal vessel quality, and collateral circulation; 3) approaching proximal cap ambiguity using intravascular ultrasound, retrograde, and move-the-cap techniques; 4) approaching poor distal vessel quality using the retrograde approach and bifurcation at the distal cap by use of a dual-lumen catheter and intravascular ultrasound; 5) feasibility of retrograde crossing through grafts and septal and epicardial collateral vessels; 6) antegrade wiring strategies; 7) retrograde approach; 8) changing strategy when failing to achieve progress; 9) considering performing an investment procedure if crossing attempts fail; and 10) stopping when reaching high radiation or contrast dose or in case of long procedural time, occurrence of a serious complication, operator and patient fatigue, or lack of expertise or equipment. This algorithm can improve outcomes and expand discussion, research, and collaboration.

[Percutaneous treatment of coronary chronic total occlusions].

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are frequently detected on diagnostic coronary angiograms. For the selection of patients for CTO percutaneous coronary intervention, factors such as the level of symptoms, level of myocardial viability and extent of ischemia must be taken into account. Remarkable progress has been achieved in the success of complex CTO procedures during the past decade.

Speckle tracking echocardiography is a sensitive tool for the detection of myocardial ischemia: a pilot study from the catheterization laboratory during percutaneous coronary intervention.

Analysis of rotational myocardial motion has been reported to be a sensitive index of myocardial ischemia. In this study, circumferential and radial myocardial strain and displacement was monitored during angioplasty balloon-induced myocardial ischemia in 8 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The circumferential and radial variables were measured simultaneously in parasternal short-axis view at the papillary muscle level using the recently introduced speckle tracking echocardiography technique that allows 2-dimensional, angle-independent, real-time evaluation of the myocardial motion (2-dimensional strain modality).

Morphological changes rather than flow-mediated dilatation in the brachial artery are better indicators of the extent and severity of coronary artery disease.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between morphological and functional parameters of the brachial and carotid arteries and the angiographic extent and severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD).

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Setting: University hospital.

Interrelation between the extent of atherosclerosis in the thoracic aorta, carotid intima-media thickness and the extent of coronary artery disease.

Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery and atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta have been shown to correlate with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study compares the relation between wall changes in the thoracic aorta and the carotid arteries and the angiographic severity and extent of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries in patients with verified CAD. Atherosclerotic wall changes in the carotid arteries and the thoracic aorta were measured by B-mode ultrasonography and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), respectively, in 37 subjects aged 65+/-10 years with angiographically verified CAD.