Chronic Total Occlusion

Chronic Total Occlusion

Guest: Abhiram Prasad, M.D.
Host: Paul Friedman, M.D. 

Chronic total occlusions are frequently encountered and are associated with complex coronary artery disease and diffuse atherosclerosis. Percutaneous coronary intervention is a suitable option for relieving angina in select patients who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy. Success rates of over 80% can be routinely achieved by CTO operators with MACE rates of less than 5%.

Topics Discussed:

• Who is the ideal patient for CTO PCI?
• Which practices in CTO PCI maximize success and minimize risk?
• Is there a role of viability testing when evaluating patients for CTO PCI?
• Is there a role for non-culprit CTO PCI for complete revascularization post AMI?
• Is there any new clinical trial data for CTO PCI?
• Are there any new devices for CTO PCI?