European experience with the retrograde approach for the recanalization of coronary artery chronic total occlusions. A report on behalf of the EuroCTO club

Aims Recanalisation rates of coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) remain sub-optimal. The retrograde technique was recently introduced to improve success rates. Methods and results From February 2005 until December 2007, 175 patients were treated with this technique in seven European centres by highly experienced operators: in 84 (48%) as primary strategy, in 41 (23.5%) immediately after antegrade failure and in 50 (28.5%) as a repeat procedure after previous antegrade failure. Baseline characteristics revealed a mean age 61.4 +/- 10.8 years with 29.5% and 39% of patients having diabetes and a prior history of MI, respectively. The mean occlusion duration was 50.8 months (determined in 3…