Impact of Different Clinical Parameters Medication and Management Strategies on Collateral Formation in Patients with Chronic Total Occlusion

Abstract

C oronary collateral arteries serve as alternative conduits for blood flow in obstructive coronary artery disease. Collateral artery formation (arteriogenesis) refers to an active remodeling of nonfunctional vascular anastomosis to functional collateral arteries, capable to bypass the site of obstruction and preserve the tissue jeopardized by ischemia. Adequate collateralization varies significantly among atherosclerotic patients; the degree of collateral arteries development influences the outcome after acute myocardial infarction. Furthermore, in stable coronary artery disease, patients with well-developed coronary collateral circulation shows improved long term survival. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical variables affecting the development of collaterals in patients with chronic total occlusion. The study included seventy patients admitted to Ain Shams university hospital with ischemic heart disease. All patients underwent coronary angiography which showed chronic total occlusion (CTO) with or without collateral formation.