title: Tips and tricks for antegrade recanalization of chronic total occlusions using the CrossBoss catheter.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide new strategies and techniques for the successful recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) with the sole use of the CrossBoss catheter. In addition, some common CTO scenarios are illustrated in detail.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  CTOs are one of the most challenging complex coronary lesion subsets to intervene upon. Even with the innovation of specialized catheters, the success rate of antegrade recanalization remains low.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between June and December 2013, a retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive patients who presented with a planned percutaneous intervention (PCI) of a CTO was performed. In all patients, the CrossBoss catheter was used. No additional reentry devices were necessary. Procedural success was defined as <20% residual stenosis and TIMI-3 distal blood flow of the treated vessel at the end of the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of the patients were male (72%), with an average age of 68 years. Thirty percent of patients presented with prior CTO-PCI failure. The average fluoroscopy time was 45.9 minutes and the average amount of contrast use was 273.8 mL. No patient suffered a coronary perforation from the CrossBoss catheter.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With increased experience using the CrossBoss catheter, the antegrade success rate of CTOs can be improved. Some tips include identifying the likely course of the artery with the aid of retrograde injection, proper guidewire selection and manipulation, and redirecting the CrossBoss catheter if there is substantial deviation from the original path.
authors: Beth Israel Medical Center, 139 Centre St, Rm 307, New York, NY 10013 USA. Kwancardio@aol.com.
authors: Tak W
authors: TW
authors: Kwan
authors: Ravi
authors: R
authors: Diwan
authors: Justin A
authors: JA
authors: Ratcliffe
authors: Yili
authors: Y
authors: Huang
authors: Rahul
authors: R
authors: Patri
authors: David
authors: D
authors: James
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Liou
authors: Arzhang
authors: A
authors: Fallahi
authors: Bruce
authors: B
authors: Young
authors: Aravinda
authors: A
authors: Nanjundappa
authors: Ramesh
authors: R
authors: Daggubati
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000379:methods*; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D062906:Cardiac Catheters; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D054059:Coronary Occlusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors