Chronic total coronary occlusions

Gregory A Braden1

  • 1Cardiology Specialists of North Carolina, 3866 Cedarfield Place Court, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA. GBraden@triad.rr.com

Cardiology Clinics
|June 20, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Newer technologies have improved the success of opening chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO). This has increased the demand for these procedures, offering benefits like angina relief and improved survival.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO) affect up to one-third of patients undergoing coronary angiography.
  • Indications for CTO intervention include angina relief, improved cardiac function, reduced need for bypass surgery, and enhanced long-term survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review advancements in interventional cardiology for treating CTOs.
  • To highlight the impact of new technologies on CTO recanalization and patency.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent technological advancements in CTO crossing techniques (wire-based and non-wire-based).
  • Evaluation of the role of drug-eluting stents in maintaining long-term patency of treated CTOs.

Main Results:

  • Novel technologies have significantly improved the ability to cross previously uncrossable CTO lesions.
  • Improved acute success rates for CTO recanalization have been achieved.
  • Drug-eluting stents have markedly increased the long-term patency of complex CTO lesions.

Conclusions:

  • Advancements in interventional techniques and devices have made CTO treatment more feasible and effective.
  • The increased success and improved outcomes for CTO interventions are driving greater clinical demand.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...