Development of a novel calcified total occlusion model in porcine coronary arteries.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to create a calcified total occlusion model in porcine coronary arteries using a catheter-based technique.


BACKGROUND
Chronic total occlusion (CTO) represents 10-20% of all angioplasty cases and remains a challenge for interventional cardiologists. One of the limitations to successful recanalization is the failure to cross the wire through the CTOs.


METHODS
Twenty swine underwent total occlusion creations in the coronary arteries. Via a carotid artery, previously prepared bone chips with absorbable sponge were delivered into the coronary arteries using catheter-based techniques. Twenty-eight days post creation, coronary angiography and histology were performed.


RESULTS
Twelve animals survived and 10/12 had successful total occlusions. There were successful total occlusions in 100% (8/8) of the left anterior descending coronary arteries in the animals that survived. Angiography showed visible calcified total occlusions under fluoroscopy and also showed bridge collaterals distal to the occlusions (4/8) or contralateral collaterals from the right coronary arteries (4/8). The histology showed calcified nodules and abundant microchannels within the occlusions, media, and adventitia.


CONCLUSIONS
We could successfully create a reliable and repeatable porcine coronary model of calcified total occlusions. This method can be utilized in many preclinical evaluations of CTO technologies.
Jack H. Skirball Center for Cardiovascular Research, Cardiovascular Research Foundation, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA.
Kaori
K
Suzuki
Naritatsu
N
Saito
Geping
G
Zhang
Gerard
G
Conditt
Jennifer
J
McGregor
Alyssa M
AM
Flynn
Danielle
D
Leahy
Patricia
P
Glennon
Martin B
MB
Leon
Motoya
M
Hayase
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D001262:Atenolol; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D054059:Coronary Occlusion / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001262:Atenolol