In CTO interventions, which statement describes antegrade and retrograde approaches?

In CTO interventions, which statement describes antegrade and retrograde approaches?

• A. Antegrade approaches traverse the occlusion from the proximal cap; retrograde approach uses collateral channels from the distal vessel to approach the occlusion.
• B. Retrograde approach uses collateral channels from distal vessel to approach the occlusion; antegrade uses proximal cap.
• C. Both approaches traverse occlusion from distal cap
• D. Retrograde is not used in CTO interventions

Answer: (A)

In CTO PCI, two crossing strategies are used: antegrade and retrograde. Antegrade crossing starts at the proximal cap of the occlusion and aims to advance forward into the distal true lumen. Retrograde crossing obtains access to the distal vessel beyond the occlusion via collateral channels from a donor vessel, allowing the operator to approach the blockage from the opposite end. The best description captures these distinct starting points: antegrade traverses from the proximal cap, while retrograde uses collateral channels from the distal vessel to approach the occlusion. This language precisely reflects how each approach navigates the lesion.

In CTO PCI, two crossing strategies are used: antegrade and retrograde. Antegrade crossing starts at the proximal cap of the occlusion and aims to advance forward into the distal true lumen. Retrograde crossing obtains access to the distal vessel beyond the occlusion via collateral channels from a donor vessel, allowing the operator to approach the blockage from the opposite end.

The best description captures these distinct starting points: antegrade traverses from the proximal cap, while retrograde uses collateral channels from the distal vessel to approach the occlusion. This language precisely reflects how each approach navigates the lesion.