Results:

· A complete occlusion created by technical means was initially confirmed. The occlusion was challenged with a 0.018'' wire and the wire passed through the occlusion. The team decided to lengthen the occlusion (~8cm) by placing another clot containing metal threads and calcium particles.

· An 0.018'' wire within the control catheter passed through the cap but quickly  moved towards the edge of the occlusive elements, therefore failing to pass through the center of the lesion. Significant grating on the lesion was noted.

· When the IntraCross catheter was used, the balloon was deflated, advanced and re-inflated within the lesion, enabling the 0.018'' wire to pass through the occlusion in its center across the entire length of the lesion (figures 3-5).