A coronary loop technique without antegrade wireguide during retrograde recanalization of coronary arteries

A retrograde approach demonstrates an increase in the success rate of recanalization of chronic coronary artery occlusions, even in patients with previously failed angioplasty. However, even when a wireguide successfully passes an occluded segment, retrograde delivery of the balloon or conduction of the coronary wireguide is impossible. A modified technique of percutaneous transluminal retrograde recanalization of chronic occlusions of coronary arteries is described, where use is made of a coronary loop method without conduction of antegrade wireguide. 11 patients were included in this research done over a period from October 2007 to March 2009; all of them underwent retrograde recanalization of chronic occlusions of coronary arteries by means of the above technique. The study includes a detailed description of the technique, clinical case, long-term outcome and discussion.