Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * • Definite or probable CTO as per CTO-ARC definition * CTO length ≥ 20 mm and ≤ 40 mm; * High likelihood (≥90 %) of CTO-PCI success (balance between CTO lesion complexity and operator expertise); * Successful treatment of any non-CTO lesions at least 1 month before randomization; * CTO lesion location in a vessel segment with diameter ≥ 2.5 mm; * Successful intraplaque (intraluminal) wiring (extraplaque tracking \< 10 mm or \< 50% of occlusion length) with no flow-limiting dissection and a TIMI flow ≥ 2 after initial predilation with NC balloon. Exclusion Criteria: * Life expectancy \< 1 year as result of non-cardiac conditions; * Multiple CTO lesions that require recanalization; * Target lesion is an in-stent CTO; * Angiographic grade 3 calcifications in the CTO segment (Appendix 2); * Recent acute coronary syndrome (\< 1 month); * Cardiogenic shock or inability to stay in supine position for long time; * Severe kidney failure (eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min); * Any planned non-CTO PCI \< 12 months after randomization; * Anticipated less compliance of the patients to complete the following or taking medical therapy; * Patient or legal representative unable or unwilling to provide written informed consent prior to study enrollment; * Pregnancy or childbearing age unless a recent pregnancy test is negative.