Chronic Total Occlusions (CTOs) are defined as arterial obstructions lasting more than 30 days and are frequently found in patients with advanced coronary and/or peripheral arterial disease. These arterial occlusions are mainly composed of smooth muscle cells, connective tissue, calcium, thrombus, lipids and inflammatory cells. CTOs are often heavily calcified or extremely fibrotic, therefore the treatment of such lesions is considered highly challenging.
TheraGenesis collaborated to develop a system designed to facilitate the intraluminal advancement of conventional guidewires beyond highly stenosed lesions in the peripheral vasculature. The system mechanism is based on reciprocating guidewire advancement causing incremental centralized fractures of the occlusion, thus enabling the advancement of a guidewire.