Recanalization of Totally Occluded Coronary Vessels by Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty

Since its introduction in 1977, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has become an effective approach for treatment of patients with single-vessel disease [1–3, 5]. Treatment of double- and multiple-vessel disease has also been attempted [5, 6]. In patients with angina pectoris total occlusion of coronary vessels is found, and PTCA has also been used in an attempt to restore coronary blood flow in such patients [8, 10]. Even main stem occlusions have been recanalized [11]. In patients with total occlusion of coronary vessels, collateral flow is sufficient to maintain cardiac function at rest but not during exercise [12–14]. Therefore, PTCA seems to be an ideal method for re…