Complications with percutaneous coronary intervention by retrograde approach for chronic total occlusions: data analysis from the Japanese multicenter registry

Purpose: Procedural complications are of special concern in retrograde approach for chronic total occlusions. We examined the occurrence of complication and its clinical impact from Japanese Retrograde Summit multicenter registry data to evaluate the safety of this technique. Methods: Total 1,166 retrograde procedure cases were performed in 28 hospitals between 2009 and 2011. Investigation regarding the occurrence of MACCE, retrograde procedure relevant events such as collateral channel injury or trouble with donor artery and other procedural complication including minor events was performed. Results: Complications and events are listed in the table below. Table 1 Conclusion: Procedure-related complication is a point of concern in retrograde approach. Our data indicates severe complications due to retrograde approach occurred infrequently; however, understanding of coronary anatomy or lesion morphology before starting the procedure is important to avoid complications.