Chronic Total Occlusions

Abstract

The following chapter provides a brief overview on the prevalence, clinical features, and histological findings in chronically occluded coronary arteries. The role of coronary collaterals and myocardial viability as well as left ventricular function for the evaluation of treatment strategies of chronic total occlusions (CTO) will be discussed. Imaging modalities such as computed tomography and intracoronary imaging are discussed for their significance in CTO assessment and intervention. Finally, important clinical and procedural aspects, latest interventional strategies and techniques, the armamentarium of dedicated tools for CTO interventions, as well as evidence from published trials and clinical research in the field will be presented.