Use of a thrombectomy catheter for contrast injection: A novel technique for preventing extension of an aortocoronary dissection during the retrograde approach to a chronic total occlusion

Percutaneous coronary intervention of a chronic total occlusion can be complicated by aortocoronary dissection. To prevent extension of the dissection, repeat contrast injections are discouraged; however, they are sometimes required to confirm optimal distal angiographic result. We describe use of a thrombectomy catheter for distal contrast injection in one such patient that allowed distal vessel visualization without propagating the aortocoronary dissection.