Retrograde Approach for Chronic Total Occlusions: the Importance of Experience and Proctorship

Recanalisation of chronic total occlusions has remained suboptimal in the field of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Hopes for a better outcome have been raised since its introduction and evolvement of new techniques, including retrograde approach. Along with conventional antegrade approaches this technique led to a success rate of more than 90% in experienced and chronic total occlusion-dedicated centres. This article focuses on contemporary retrograde approach strategy and the importance of experience and proctorship in PCI of coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO).