Chronic Total Occlusion

[scotcheggs]

Had heart attack in April and stent fitted. Cardiologist also discovered I have a chronic total occlusion (CTO). I'll need two procedures to see if this can be unblocked. Consultant has pointed out risks and the procedures are complicated.

Anyone else have this and/or had treatment for it?

I am having angina and breathlessnss every day.

Thanks folks

[Frogman53]

Hi I have a chronic total occlusion of one artery..I had a double by pass back in 1999 was told that I needed a triple but it couldn't be done. Still on a lot of meds but I still have problems form time to time I had an echsoscan back in May that showed reduced heart function and I have been referred back to a cardiologist ...but when that appointment will come I have no idea.

[scotcheggs in reply to Frogman53]

Thanks for reply frogman. i have chest pains and breathlessness every day. the artery that is blocked is at the back of my heart and difficult to get to apparantly. consultant talked to me about risks so i'm not entirely sure if i should have have the procedures that i need which is 2 separate procedures 8 weeks apart.

[Pops19]

Hi. I had 4 x CABG in 2016 then HA in 2021 when one of my vein grafts failed. They then decided to unblock the right coronary artery which had CTO. It took two long procedures but was successful. I am very pleased it was done and wish you all the very best with your procedures.

[scotcheggs in reply to Pops19]

Thanks Pops. I wasn't sure if I wanted the 2 procedures done given how the consultant made clear the risks and only works in 80% of cases. Can I ask how long were your procedures. Feel terribly anxious about it. I did say I would decide by Monday and call the consultant!!

[Pops19 in reply to scotcheggs]

Hi. My first procedure was about 5 hours and the first close to 4. Sorry I can’t help any more with your decision. All the best