What is collateral circulation? Collateral circulation is a network of tiny blood vessels, and, under normal conditions, not open. ... This allows blood to flow around the blocked artery to another artery nearby or to the same artery past the blockage, protecting the heart tissue from injury.

What does collateral circulation mean?

Medical Definition of collateral circulation

: circulation of blood established through enlargement of minor vessels and anastomosis of vessels with those of adjacent parts when a major vein or artery is functionally impaired (as by obstruction) also : the modified vessels through which such circulation occurs.

What is collateral circulation and why is it important?

Collateral circulation potentially offers an important alternative source of blood supply when the original vessel fails to provide sufficient blood. Timely enlargement of collaterals may even avoid transmural myocardial infarction (MI) and death in symptomatic patients.