Usefulness of Intraprocedural Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography during Intervention for Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion

Although intraprocedural coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) allows for scanning during intervention without relocation of the patient, studies have yet to report on its use during chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention. Therefore, we investigated the role of CCTA during CTO intervention, particularly whether CCTA could be used to evaluate the location of guidewires. A total of 61 patients scheduled for elective CTO intervention were consecutively enrolled and underwent CCTA and on-site analyses during intervention. Transverse axial and the curved multiplanar images in a 360-degree view were interactively used together to identify the location of guidewires, along with the adjustment of window condition. Intracoronary contrast injection was used for specific cases requiring enhancement of the distal part of the CTO. Most CCTAs were performed to confirm the location of a single guidewire; CCTA was also performed to evaluate parallel (3 patients) or retrograde wires (5 patients). The initial identification rate for guidewire location was 56% with immediate transaxial images, but it significantly increased to 87% after interactive on-site uses of the curved multiplanar images (p <0.001). Cases in which guidewire location could be predicted with CCTA evaluation show a numerically higher success rate than those that could not (83% vs 63%) but not statistical significance (p = 0.174). The mean time for CCTA evaluation and mean radiation dose were 8.6 minutes and 2.9 mSv, respectively. No specific complications occurred after CCTA and CTO procedures. Intraprocedural CCTA for identifying the location of the guidewires is feasible and safe when used for various CTO procedural steps.