Editorial on the "Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation (COURAGE) trial," which studied optimal medical treatment with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable coronary disease.
Cardiothoracic Surgery Notes, an online interactive review developed by residents in cardiothoracic surgery. CTSN provides a resource for fundamental essential facts for board review and sources for additional information.
Evaluation of Cypher Sirolimus Eluting Stent in Patients Undergoing Elective Revascularization of Nonacute Total Coronary Occlusions (TCO). Cordis Corp. Columbia Presbyterian, NYC. 2006-2011. (Not currently recruiting)
Major limitation of percutaneous therapy (PCI) for the treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) is the inability to cross with a wire. Recanalization with Intraluminal Wire, combines guidance of wire tip and radiofrequency ablation.
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?