Recanalisation of coronary chronic total occlusion by retrograde approach: the first experience in Poland

The effectiveness of revascularisation procedures of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) has been improved by the introduction of retrograde approach. This study compared the outcomes of CTO revascularisation in a single centre in Krakow, Poland using antegrade and retrograde approach. From January 2011 to September 2013, 150 patients underwent 159 procedures for percutaneous revascularisation of CTO of 153 vessels. Of the 159 procedures, 124 (78%) were performed using an antegrade approach and 35 (22%) using a retrograde approach. All patients were symptomatic, with mean CCS class (2.3 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7, p = 0.9), mean age (59.2 ± 8.3 vs. 62.6 ± 9.9 years, p = 0.067), and mean number of males (81.3% vs. 81.8%, p = 0.9) similar in the retrograde and antegrade groups, respectively. Most patients in both groups had ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 50% (84.4% vs. 74.4%, respectively). Occlusions assessed according to the J-CTO score showed that 82.9% and 56.4%, respectively, were rated as difficult or very difficult (p < 0.01). Overall procedural success rate was 88.2%, 87.9% in the antegrade, and 74.3% in the retrograde group. Complication rates were low and similar in two groups. However, the retrograde approach was associated with a longer mean fluoroscopy time (47.8 ± 19.6 vs. 19.3 ± 10.0 min, p < 0.00001) and higher volume of contrast fluid (494.6 ± 142.4 vs. 291.9 ± 118.1 mL, p < 0.00001). Using novel equipment with adequate experience allowed high rates of successful revascularisation. The retrograde technique for CTO revascularisation showed good overall success and was safe.