Objectives: To demonstrate the safety and feasibility of a new concept for CTO recanalization using a controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking technique (CART technique).
Background: A successful percutaneous recanalization of chronic coronary occlusions results in improved survival, as well as enhanced left ventricular function, reduction in angina, and improved exercise tolerance. However, successful recanalization of CTOs is still not optimal, and needs further improvements.
Methods: Ten patients with a CTO underwent the CART procedure. This technique combines the simultaneous use of the antegrade and retrograde approaches. A subintimal dissection is created antegradely and retrogradely, which allows the operator to limit the extension of the subintimal dissection in the CTO portion. A retrograde approach means that the occlusion site is approached in a retrograde fashion through the best collateral channel from any other patent coronary artery.
Results: The occlusion site was located in the RCA in 9 patients, and in the LAD in 1 patient. CTO duration varied from 7 to 84 months. Vessel recanalization was achieved in all patients. In all cases, the subintimal dissection was limited to the CTO region. No complications occurred in the collateral channel used for the retrograde approach. There were no in-hospital major adverse cardiac events.
Conclusions: The CART technique is feasible, safe, and has a high success rate.