Even presumably well-collateralized CTOs without prior MI show functional limitations during stress, suggesting a potential benefit from revascularization.
A limited increase in collateral flow and the high prevalence of coronary steal during stress underscore the functional limitation of collaterals in CTOs without prior Q-wave MI. Even presumably 'well-collateralized' CTOs may benefit from a revascularization.
Werner et al. (Mon,) studied this question.