coronary tortuosity
Pronunciation: tor-choo-OS-i-tee
Excessive twisting or serpentine course of coronary arteries that complicates catheter navigation and intervention.
Full Definition
Coronary tortuosity refers to the abnormal winding, twisting, or serpentine configuration of coronary arteries that deviates significantly from the normal smooth curves. This anatomical variant can be congenital or acquired due to aging, hypertension, or atherosclerosis. Severe tortuosity presents technical challenges during cardiac catheterization, making it difficult to advance guidewires, balloons, and stents to target lesions. The condition increases procedural complexity, radiation exposure, and contrast use. Interventional cardiologists must employ specialized techniques and equipment to navigate tortuous vessels successfully.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with 'tortuous,' which is the adjective form.
In Context
- "Severe coronary tortuosity in the RCA required the use of a microcatheter to deliver the balloon." — Interventional procedure note
- "The degree of vessel tortuosity made wire advancement challenging despite multiple attempts." — Cardiac catheterization report