Blockage that limits your heart's blood supply
Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a condition in which at least one major artery supplying blood to the heart is completely blocked for three months or longer. CTO can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and other symptoms. In some cases, CTO can lead to a heart attack.
That's why our CTO experts go the extra mile to give your heart the best possible care. We'll perform a comprehensive review of your medical history and previous test results and run additional tests to determine possible treatment options for you.
When your heart doesn't get the blood it needs, you'll feel it, with or without physical effort. Symptoms of CTO can include:
If you're consistently feeling the symptoms above, it's important to see a doctor right away. These are signals that you could have a serious condition — and time is of the essence.
Diagnosing CTO involves several steps to carefully rule out other heart conditions and find the source of the problem. Our thorough evaluation includes:
WellSpan’s heart specialists offer many treatment options for CTO, including medication, minimally invasive procedures and surgery. The best treatment option for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Our highly skilled team will work closely with you and tailor your treatment plan to your unique symptoms and risks.
Common treatment options for CTO include:
It's important to discuss the risks and benefits of each treatment option with your doctor, so together you can make an informed decision about your care.
Treating CTO is important to ensure that we improve lifestyle-limiting symptoms, such as angina (chest pain). Ultimately, our goal is to give you lasting results, reducing your risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) complications in the future.
Top CTO experts, supported by compassionate specialists — all here for you.
When it comes to your heart, you can trust our experts. Our team of highly skilled cardiac specialists has earned international recognition for their work treating even the most complex blockages. We offer minimally invasive procedures with high success rates, so you can rest assured you're receiving the best possible care.
Our cardiac interventionalists are among the few cardiologists in the United States who can perform the full range of CTO PCI procedures, including treatment of the most complex cases. Our CTO PCI success rate is among the highest in the country, and our patients experience exceptional outcomes.
We use the latest techniques and technology to diagnose CTOs, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and fractional flow reserve (FFR). These technologies allow us to precisely identify and treat blockages, resulting in better outcomes.
We understand that every person is different, which is why we tailor your treatment plan to you and your unique needs. We work closely with you to ensure that you understand your condition and are comfortable with your treatment plan.
We offer a full range of services around CTOs, including diagnostic testing, medication therapy and surgical intervention. We also provide support services, such as cardiac rehabilitation and education, to help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
We participate in clinical trials for new and innovative treatments for CTOs. This means you have access to the latest and most advanced treatments available. In addition, we operate one of the highest-volume cardiac catheterization labs in the region and have developed treatment pathways for safe and successful CTO procedures.
