Retrograde Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention Using a Novel Reverse Controlled Antegrade and Retrograde Subintimal Tracking

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a frequent finding in patients with coronary artery disease and when clinically indicated, remains one of the most challenging subsets for intervention. Although successful recanalization rates of CTO have remained suboptimal in percutaneous coronary intervention, evolving techniques including retrograde approach, have raised hopes for improving the overall success. Reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking is the most commonly used out of various retrograde approaches. In this review, the author has thrown light on a step-by-step approach of this technique, its standardization, various modifications along with complications. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:70-74)