Pre-Procedural Virtual Reality Guiding Catheter Simulation Navigating Successful Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of a Chronic Total Occlusion of an Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery

We report two cases of successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesion with an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (AORCA) and challenging guiding catheter engagement using a new 3D virtual reality (VR) guiding catheter simulation system. Appropriate guiding catheter selection is critical for a successful complex PCI. A more suitable guiding catheter size, shape, and position with a robust backup force often leads to the successful completion of more accessible and safer procedures. The present case report highlights that VR simulation provides a greater possibility than usual of pre-procedural planning when selecting appropriate guiding catheters and vascular access. The present VR simulation system is based on three-dimensional volume rendering reconstructions of the computed tomography (CT) imaging data; thus, another strength of this technology is that it does not require radiation or radiocontrast exposure to patients. Therefore, transcatheter interventionalists who usually perform complex PCI should be familiar with this innovative system.