Dynamic nature of coronary collateral blood flow

Abstract

How coronary collateral blood flow is “turned on” and “turned off” is not known. Moreover, the rapidity with which coronary blood flow can become evident after total occlusion of a coronary artery and then become nondetectable again after resolution of the coronary artery occlusion has been reported infrequently. 1,2 Recent studies 3,4 showed that collateral channel filling may improve within 60 to 90 seconds after sudden coronary occlusion by an angioplasty balloon in certain patients with severe coronary stenosis. This report demonstrates the dynamic nature of coronary collateral flow. Collateral blood flow appeared immediately after total occlusion of a coronary artery. After transluminal disobliteration, 5 anterograde blood flow returned and collateral blood flow was no longer seen.