Drug-coated balloon after subintimal plaque modification in failed coronary chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: A novel concept

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a technically challenging procedure. In failed cases, plaque modification strategy (also known as "investment procedure"), defined as the intentional dilation of the subintimal space through the CTO segment, can be applied. The typical dilation device used in this strategy is a regular angioplasty balloon (either semi- or noncompliant). Performing this technique with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) may facilitate a staged procedure by promoting a better vessel healing. Herein, we present three cases of failed CTO PCI, managed with DCB plaque modification, and their follow-up staged procedure.