Collateral flow velocity alterations in the supply and receiving coronary arteries during angioplasty for total coronary occlusion.

The unique observations of contralateral and ipsilateral coronary artery collateral supply before and after angioplasty suggest highly responsive conduits to hemodynamic conditions. The study of collateral supply system is not only significant for our current understanding of the dynamic behavior of the collateral circulation, but may also have important clinical implications for the treatment of patients with a chronic coronary occlusion.