ABSTRACT

A special system aims to overcome the uncertainty of properly penetrating the proximal chronic total occlusion (CTO) cap vs exiting the vessel with the use of optical coherence reflectometry (OCR), and even contribute to fibrous cap weakening by a well-directed use of radiofrequency (RF) ablation. The Safe-Cross RF guidewire is an 0.014 inch intermediate-stiffness guidewire with the capacity to perform real-time OCR, and display the result in a dedicated monitor that can be viewed by the operator during wire manipulation. OCR assesses the reflection of near-infrared light from different distances ahead of the wire tip. Reflections from plaque and vessel wall differ according to the tissue structure and there is distinct secondary reflection peak from the organized structures in the media and adventitia. Radiofrequency ablation device can be an interesting addition to the CTO armamentarium as it provides unique features.