title: [Percutaneous treatment of coronary chronic total occlusions].
abstract: Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are frequently detected on diagnostic coronary angiograms. For the selection of patients for CTO percutaneous coronary intervention, factors such as the level of symptoms, level of myocardial viability and extent of ischemia must be taken into account. Remarkable progress has been achieved in the success of complex CTO procedures during the past decade. In addition to antegrade wire escalation strategy, subintimal passage of the guidewire with or without dissection and re-entry techniques and retrograde techniques can be utilized. After successful wiring of the lesion, balloon angioplasty and stenting comparable to a non-CTO lesion are performed.
authors.forename: Olli A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Kajander
authors.forename: Erkki
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ilveskoski
authors.forename: Risto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jussila
mesh_terms: D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D062645:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / Q000379:methods*; D015607:Stents