[Possibilities of recanalization of chronic coronary occlusions with penetration catheter <>]

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTO) remain one of most difficult parts of interventional cardiology. Introduction of novel devices and methods of recanalization of CTO have facilitated fulfillment of these interventions and increased number of successful procedures. Howere a number of cases it is impossible to position a balloon in the site of occlusion even after its successful crossing with a guidewere. Penetration catheter Tornus was specifically created for such cases. It allows to form a channel in CTO for subsequent dilation and stent implantation. We present a review of available clinical studies assessing efficacy of the use of Tornus catheter during PCI for CTO, as well as results of its comparison with efficacy of rotational atherectomy. Authors of these studies concluded that Tornus catheter was highly effective in cases when it was not possible to pass a catheter for changing usual "RotaWire" guide with the aim of conducting rotational atherectomy, or in cases of impossibility to pass a balloon along a guidewere for predilation of the occlusion site. At the same time the use of penetration catheter had no advantages over rotational atherectomy.