Evaluation of short and long term results of angioplasty in coronary artery chronic total occlusion

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is reported in one third of angiographies. Angioplasty of these lesions will relief patient’s symptoms، improve left ventricular function and increase survival. Due to fibro calcific nature، successful angiography of these lesions is hard to achieve. Frequency of restenosis is also reported to be higher. In this study we evaluated early and late results of angioplasty in these CTO lesions. Demographic and angiographic data of patients who underwent angioplasty for CTO lesions in Imam Reza hospital، Mashhad، Iran from 2002 to 2007 were collected. Then، these patients were followed up for recurrence of symptoms and angiography was performed in case of restenosis. Angioplasty was done for 321 patients and early success rate was 90. 3% (n=290). We used routine guide wire and bare metal stent in majority of patients. Most common cause of failure was inability to pass guide wire. We found a significant statistical association between length of lesion (longer than 25 millimeter) and failure of angioplasty (p=0. 015). Altogether 238 patients were followed clinically. Recurrence of symptom was reported in 36 patients after 6 to 12 years follow up (mean 9 years). We found a significant statistical association between location of lesion (ostial and proximal) and recurrence of symptom (p=0. 035). Angioplasty for CTO lesions، even with common guide wire and bare metal stent was reasonable and had good early and very late results. Acknowledgment: None declared