Every 3rd coronary angiography patient presents 1+ total arterial occlusion. Guidewire failure often precludes subsequent repair of the lesion in the cardiac cath lab; many of these patients are ultimately managed surgically or medically.
Techniques for penetrating chronic total occlusion (CTO) to ensure complete revascularization using percutaneous coronary techniques. Success is only 50–75%, even in the best hands. How to improve?