Prevalence and treatment of "balloon-uncrossable" coronary chronic total occlusions.

Background: The frequency and outcomes of "balloon-uncrossable" coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) have received limited study.

Methods: We retrospectively examined 373 consecutive CTO percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed at our institution between 2005 and 2013 to determine the frequency and treatment of balloon-uncrossable CTOs.

Results: Mean age was 63.

Frequency and outcomes of aortocoronary dissection during percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions: a case series and systematic review of the literature.

Background: Aortocoronary dissection can complicate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusions (CTOs).

Methods: We retrospectively examined the frequency and outcomes of aortocoronary dissection among 336 consecutive CTO PCIs performed at our institution between 2005 and 2012 and performed a systematic review of the published literature.

Results: Aortocoronary dissection occurred in six patients (1.