Patient Resources
Clear answers for complex heart decisions
Practical articles for patients and families navigating CTO treatment, private cover, and recovery.
Browse our guides below, or contact us if you would like a downloadable preparation checklist before your procedure.
Downloads & FAQs
- • Patient preparation checklist — request via our contact form
- • Recovery expectations after complex PCI — see blog guides below
- • Private health cover questions — read our Victoria insurance article
4 June 2026
How to choose an interventional cardiologist in Melbourne for complex disease
Practical questions to ask when selecting a CTO or complex PCI specialist in Melbourne private practice.
20 May 2026
Rotablation (rotational atherectomy) – what patients should know
A clear overview of rotational atherectomy, when it is used for calcified coronary arteries, and how it fits into modern complex PCI.
2 May 2026
Why IVUS and OCT matter for long-term stent success
Patient-friendly explanation of intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography in complex PCI.
18 April 2026
When to seek a second opinion for complex coronary disease
Signs it may be time to ask a complex PCI specialist to review your angiogram — even if you have already been given a plan.
5 April 2026
Life after complex PCI – recovery timelines patients ask about
What recovery often looks like after complex or CTO angioplasty, from the first 24 hours to returning to exercise and work.
22 March 2026
Shockwave lithotripsy for calcified heart arteries explained
How intravascular lithotripsy uses sonic pressure waves to crack coronary calcium so stents can expand safely.
8 March 2026
Is CTO PCI better than bypass for older patients?
A balanced look at when CTO PCI may be preferable to bypass surgery for older adults — and when surgery remains the better choice.
20 February 2026
Private health insurance for heart procedures – what you need to know in Victoria
How Silver and Gold hospital cover works for heart and vascular procedures in Victoria, including gaps, excesses, and specialist choice.
3 February 2026
Preparing for your complex PCI
A practical checklist for patients preparing for complex coronary angioplasty, including medications, fasting, and what to expect on the day.
15 January 2026
What is a CTO and can it be fixed without surgery?
Learn what a Chronic Total Occlusion is, why standard stents often fail, and how specialist CTO PCI can reopen blocked arteries without bypass.
Already have an angiogram?
Contact us for a rapid second opinion. We welcome complex and previously declined cases.