Cibolo veteran marks 1,000th CTO procedure at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak
The patient highlights the importance of heart health screenings
San Antonio, TX – Carl Hall, a 52-year-old service member from Cibolo, is reclaiming his life after a transformational experience at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak’s Complex Coronary Intervention Center. After undergoing the Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) procedure, which marked the facility's 1,000th CTO procedure, Hall is living proof that you don’t have to settle for living with heart issues.
For many, the thought of cardiac issues can evoke anxiety. However, for Hall, the threat became a turning point in his life. Knowing that his family had a history of heart disease, he decided it was important to get checked. He discovered he had a 100 percent blocked artery, which severely limited his daily activities. “Before the procedure, even cutting the grass or going for walks felt impossible. My heart would race, and I felt like it was going to jump out of my chest,” Hall recalled. After a previous unsuccessful CTO procedure, he turned to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak for help.
“This time, the procedure only took an hour and 45 minutes versus the four hours last time that was unsuccessful, and I felt great afterward. I was even joking around in the ICU,” said Hall. “I couldn't believe how quickly the blockage was cleared and how quickly I was able to return to my normal activities I couldn’t do before the procedure.”
The life-saving CTO procedure is a complex technique designed to clear complete blockages in coronary arteries. It requires not only advanced technology but also a highly trained team. Dr. Hinh Keith Nguyen, Medical Director of the Complex Coronary Intervention Center, and his team approach the procedure with experience and precision. “CTOs are difficult to treat, and the community needs to be informed about the options available to them. We aim to provide quality care that reshapes patients’ lives,” Dr. Nguyen said.
With one in five cardiovascular patients suffering from chronic total occlusions, many are treated according to traditional, less effective methods. Thanks to advancements in medical technology and training, more patients can now access these essential procedures, which can be the difference between life-altering limitations and a return to normalcy.
As the hospital celebrated the achievement of 1,000 successful CTO procedures, Dr. Nguyen shared, “Completing the 1,000th CTO means we’ve built a strong foundation for treating a disease that can be incredibly challenging. It’s essential for our community to know that we can effectively address these serious conditions.”
“Go get checked out," shared Hall on the importance of heart health. "There’s so much that can be done. I almost let fear dictate my life, but I’m here to tell you that life can change for the better.”
To learn more about cardiovascular services offered across Methodist Healthcare, visit SAhealth.com/heart.