For the 20% of cardiac patients who present with chronic total occlusions (CTOs), Nebraska Medicine offers renewed hope through our dedicated CTO program. Our program leverages the latest technology and specialized expertise to treat these complex cases that many institutions consider untreatable.
Advanced treatment for "untreatable" cases
"In the last five to 10 years, the technology has made a quantum leap, and our success rates have gone up significantly as new techniques evolved," explains interventional cardiologist Edward O'Leary, MD. "Equipment has evolved and a section of physicians who focus on this particular area have honed that skill."
Our program uses state-of-the-art technology, including advanced wire systems and microcatheters from industry leader Asahi, to perform percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI, for CTO cases. This less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery offers new possibilities for patients who may have been told nothing could be done for their condition.
Even if your patient is not a candidate for PCI, our multidisciplinary team approach ensures we can explore all available treatment options to find the best solution for each individual.
Life-changing results
The CTO program’s impact on patients' quality of life has been remarkable, according to Dr. O'Leary. He shares several success stories:
- A patient who could only walk two blocks now completes 2.5-mile daily walks.
- A former runner who was limited to walking 3/4 mile now runs six miles daily.
- A farmer who has returned to throwing hay bales.
- Multiple patients reported dramatic improvements in their ability to complete daily activities.
"This really comes down to quality of life," Dr. O'Leary emphasizes. "To the person who wants to be more active, who wants to play with their grandkids, who wants to go for walks – we can provide an opportunity that may get them back there."
Ideal candidates for referral
Consider referring patients who:
- Have decreased their level of activity due to cardiac symptoms.
- Experience shortness of breath or fatigue with exertion.
- Have been told they're not candidates for bypass surgery.
- Show evidence of viable heart muscle with collateral blood flow.
- Express a desire to return to a more active lifestyle.
A comprehensive team approach
Our CTO program features:
- Dedicated weekly procedure times.
- Collaboration with cardiothoracic surgery for optimal treatment planning.
- Extensive pre-procedure evaluation.
- Ongoing quality metrics monitoring.
"What we'd say to physicians is, send us your patients that have a CTO. We'll work them up and see what the best treatment option is," says Dr. O'Leary. "We provide that service with a dedicated day, a dedicated team and a dedicated service."
How to refer
As the highest-volume CTO center in Nebraska, we're committed to providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment options for your patients with CTOs.
To refer a patient or consult with our team, call 402.559.8888 or visit NebraskaMed.com/Heart.