Prof Alfredo R Galassi, MD , FACC, FESC, FSCAI
Associate Professor of Cardiology
Head of the Catheterization Laboratory and Cardiovascular Interventional
Unit Clinical Division of Cardiology, Ferrarotto Hospital
University of Catania
in collaboration with
Salvatore D Tomasello, MD, Research Fellow, University of Catania
Luca Costanzo, MD, Postgraduate School, University of Catania
Giombattista Barrano, MD, Postgraduate School, University of Catania
Chapters
- History of CTO revascularization and evolution of techniques
- Anatomy and histopathology of CTO
- Epidemiology and definition of CTO
- Clinical indication to CTO recanalization and patient selection
- Non invasive functional imaging tests to assess viable and ischemic myocardium
- The role of collateral circulation and its assessment
- The role of MSCT scan in complex lesions
- Predictive factors related to success or failure of recanalization
- Drug-eluting stents for CTO lesions
- Basic principles and materials for CTO recanalization
- Antegrade approach (a cases oriented approach):
– wiring techniques (single, parallel, see-saw, side branch, etc)
– guiding techniques (anchor balloon, mother in child, IVUS guided)
– role of devices (crosser, tornus, venture, laser, ovalum, etc) - Retrograde approach: (retrograde wiring, kissing wires, knuckle technique, CART technique)
- The PCI strategy after crossing the lesion by guidewire
- When to stop procedure, when to perform a second attempt
- Procedural complications
- Radiation and contrast media exposure
- Management of complication and general issues
- Operator training and organization of CTO centers