Restoring the Flow
Treating Total Vessel Occlusion
Totally Occluded Vessels
Totally Occluded Vessels, also known as Occluded Arteries, refer to blood vessels that are completely blocked or obstructed. This condition occurs when a buildup of plaque and fatty deposits within the arteries leads to the complete blockage of blood flow. The most common site for total occlusion is the coronary artery supplying blood to heart muscles. Chronic Coronary Total Occlusion (CTO) is a term used to describe the complete blockage of a coronary artery for more than three months.
Treating Totally Occluded Vessels is crucial to ensure proper blood flow and prevent serious complications such as heart attacks or heart muscle damage. Several treatment options are available, depending as per the severity and location of the occlusion.
Treatment Procedure for Totally Occluded Vessels
Treating Occluded Vessels can vary depending on the individual patient and the specific circumstances. One common approach is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or angioplasty. The procedure involves using a catheter with a balloon at its tip guided to the occlusion site. The balloon is then inflated to compress plaque and widen the artery, restoring blood flow. Sometimes, a stent may be inserted to help keep the artery open.
Another treatment option for totally occluded vessels is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). This surgical procedure involves creating a new pathway for blood flow by using a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass the blocked section of the artery. CABG is typically recommended when multiple arteries are affected, or other treatment options have been unsuccessful.
Role of IVUS in Totally Occluded Vessels
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) plays a significant role while treating occluded vessels. IVUS is a medical imaging technique that uses a miniature ultrasound probe attached to a catheter inserted into the blood vessels. It provides real-time, high-resolution images of the inside of the arteries, allowing the healthcare provider to assess the severity and characteristics of the occlusion.
IVUS helps guide the treatment procedure by providing detailed information about the occlusion’s size, length, and composition. This allows the healthcare provider to make more informed decisions regarding treatment, such as determining the appropriate balloon size or stent placement. IVUS also helps evaluate the procedure’s success by assessing the artery’s expansion and the position of the stent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of Chronic Total Occlusion?
Chronic total occlusion symptoms may vary as per common signs including chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance. Some patients may also be asymptomatic.
How is chronic total occlusion diagnosed?
The diagnosis of chronic total occlusion is typically made using diagnostic tests such as coronary angiography or cardiac imaging techniques like CT scans or stress tests.
Can chronic total occlusion be treated without surgery?
Yes, depending on the severity and location of the occlusion, non-surgical treatments such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or medications may be used to treat chronic total occlusion.
Are there any risks associated with treating totally occluded vessels?
Like any medical procedure, treating occluded vessels carries certain risks, including bleeding, infection, allergic reactions, or damage to the blood vessels. However, these risks are generally low and can be managed by experienced healthcare professionals.
Are there any lifestyle changes that can help prevent occluded vessels?
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing occluded vessels. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, managing stress & controlling conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
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Sources:
1. www.heart.org
2. www.mayoclinic.org
3. www.narayanahealth.org
4. www.apollohospitals.com
5. www.fortishealthcare.com
Disclaimer: The information presented by Boston Scientific Corporation is for educational purposes only and does not recommend self-management of health issues. The information should not be treated as comprehensive and does not intend to provide diagnosis, treatment or any medical advice. Individual results may vary and hence, it is advisable to consult your doctor regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.
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