Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
collateral circulation
Alternative blood flow pathways that develop to bypass chronically occluded vessels.
Full Definition
Collateral circulation refers to the network of small blood vessels that develop over time to provide alternative pathways for blood flow around chronically occluded or severely stenotic arteries. These naturally occurring bypass channels become enlarged and more prominent in response to chronic ischemia, representing the body's adaptive mechanism to maintain tissue perfusion. Assessment of collateral circulation is crucial for determining intervention strategies and predicting outcomes in chronic total occlusion procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Refers to naturally developed pathways, not surgically created bypasses.
In Context
- "Excellent collateral circulation was observed, explaining the patient's minimal symptoms despite total occlusion." — Angiographic interpretation
- "The retrograde approach utilized collateral circulation to cross the chronic total occlusion." — Procedure description
Also known as
collateral flow
bypass circulation
Contrasted with
direct flow
Don't confuse with
anastomotic circulation