PURPOSE
To evaluate the angiographic and functional outcomes of the Crosser chronic total occlusion (CTO) recanalization system used to facilitate crossing of infrainguinal occlusions resistant to conventional guidewire techniques.
METHODS
Eighty-five patients with a previous or concurrent failed attempt to cross a CTO using conventional guidewire techniques were enrolled at eight United States centers. Occlusions were at least 30 days old and ≤30 cm in length. Primary endpoints included advancement of the recanalization system into or through the occlusion gaining guidewire access in the distal vessel beyond the lesion, and 30-day freedom from clinical perforation requiring treatment.
RESULTS
The average age of occlusion was 16 months, the mean occlusion length was 117.5 ± 84.0 mm, 55.7% had unfavorable morphology for crossing, and 75% were moderately to severely calcified. Superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusions were most commonly treated (61.2%), followed by popliteal artery (20%), and tibioperoneal (16.5%) occlusions. The CTO was crossed and the guidewire successfully advanced into the distal true lumen in 83.5% of cases. Following adjunctive therapy, 81.2% achieved a satisfactory angiographic result (≤50% residual stenosis). At 30 days post procedure, 98.8% of patients were free from clinical perforation.
CONCLUSION
Use of the Crosser CTO recanalization system facilitated crossing of guidewire-resistant, chronic, infrainguinal occlusions with minimal risk of clinically significant vessel perforation.