Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a severe form of coronary artery disease, and occurs when the coronary arteries are completely (or almost completely) blocked by fatty deposits, or plaque. Our interventional cardiologists have advanced training in performing complex coronary interventions, including angioplasty and stenting, to open completely (or almost completely) clogged arteries.
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What is stenting?
Stenting is the process of placing a stent. A stent is a tiny wire mesh tube made of medical-grade stainless steel or cobalt alloy metal. Stents expand against blocked or narrowed artery walls and are left their permanently. They act as a scaffold to keep arteries open.
How is the coronary artery stenting procedure performed?
Coronary artery stenting involves the administration of a fine angioplasty catheter into the affected coronary arteries. Utilizing advanced imagery technology, one of our physicians will carefully guide the angioplasty catheter where the coronary artery is at its most narrow. A wire will a ballooned tip will be inserted through the catheter where it will widen the narrowed artery, resulting in healthier blood flow. The physician will then remove the angioplasty balloon and insert a catheter with a closed stent on it. He will then place the stent in the artery, which pushes against the walls of the artery, serving as a support to keep it open.
This procedure is minimally invasive, which will not require any extensive incisions.
What can I expect following the procedure?
A blood-thinning medicine may be prescribed to you to prevent blood clots and to aid in proper blood flow until the treated area heals. Each patient will have follow-up appointments with our physicians to monitor your recovery process.
