Chronic total occlusion
A
Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) refers to a complete blockage or obstruction of a
coronary artery, which is a blood vessel that supplies oxygen and nutrients to
the heart muscle. The term "chronic" implies that the blockage has
been present for an extended period, typically lasting for more than three
months.
In
the context of cardiology, CTOs are a severe form of coronary artery disease.
They occur when a coronary artery is completely blocked by a buildup of plaque
and other substances, preventing blood flow to the heart muscle beyond the
blockage. Unlike partial blockages, which may still allow some blood to pass
through, a CTO presents a complete interruption of blood flow.
Managing
CTOs can be challenging, and treatment options may include medications,
lifestyle changes, or more invasive interventions such as angioplasty or
coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. In some cases, specialized
procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the use of
special equipment and techniques may be employed to open the blocked artery and
restore blood flow. The choice of treatment depends on various factors,
including the patient's overall health, the location and characteristics of the
CTO, and the presence of other cardiovascular conditions.
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