Procedure Description:

CTO (Chronic Total Occlusion Coronary Intervention) treatment:

A complete or almost complete blockage of one or more coronary arteries is known as chronic total occlusion (CTO). The accumulation of plaque within a coronary artery is the source of the obstruction, which has usually been there for at least three months. The heart's blood flow is hampered when this occurs.

Disease Description:

Chronic complete occlusion (CTO):

A blockage in your coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels supplying your heart with blood, is known as a chronic complete occlusion (CTO). The fatty material known as plaque typically builds up and narrows your arteries, causing the obstruction. If you have coronary artery disease, you have an increased risk of developing a CTO.

Disease Signs and Symptoms:

The following are possible CTO symptoms:

1. Tightness, pressure, or soreness in the chest.

2. Lightheadedness.

3. Exhaustion.

4. An irregular pulse.

5. Feeling queasy.

6. An accelerated or fast heartbeat.

7. dyspnea, or shortness of breath.

8- Upper arm pain.

CTO symptoms frequently go worse with activity and get better after rest. But symptoms can also occur when you're at rest. You might also be completely symptom-free.

Disease Causes:

Plaque, a fatty substance, accumulates in one or more of your coronary arteries and causes chronic complete occlusions. Atherosclerosis, the accumulation of plaque, causes arterial hardening and narrowing. Coronary artery disease is the term used to describe atherosclerosis that develops in your coronary arteries.

Disease Diagnosis:

A coronary angiography is usually used by medical professionals to identify a persistent complete blockage. Your doctor will inject a contrast dye into your blood arteries during a coronary angiography. The dye illustrates the flow of blood via your coronary arteries and draws attention to your blood vessels on an X-ray.

Tests like these might also be used by your provider:

1. Cardiac MRI to examine the structure and circulation of your heart.

2. Take a cardiac stress test to see how exercise affects your heart.

3. Echocardiogram (echo): This test measures the heart's walls, valves, and blood flow.

4. Electrocardiogram (EKG) to examine your heart's electrical impulses and rhythm.

Disease Treatment:

The goals of a CTO treatment plan are usually to minimize symptoms and lessen your chance of experiencing a heart-related incident, like a heart attack. The severity of your symptoms and whether you are currently following a CAD treatment plan will determine the course of treatment you need. Your supplier might suggest:

During percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a tiny, hollow tube called a catheter is inserted by your doctor via a blood vessel in your wrist or groin. After guiding the catheter to your coronary artery, they will inflate a little balloon inside the artery to dislodge plaque. To maintain it open and restart blood flow, they insert a tiny mesh tube, or stent, into the artery.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG): This is an open cardiac procedure in which your surgeon uses a vein or artery from another part of your body to form a diversion around your clogged coronary artery.