Reoccluded

Reoccluded is an adjective and past participle derived from the verb reocclude, meaning to occlude again after a prior occlusion or after a recanalization. In medical usage, reoccluded describes a vessel, conduit, or lumen that has become blocked again following a period of reopened flow.

In practice, the term is most common in interventional radiology, vascular surgery, and cardiology. A reoccluded artery or vein may occur after initial successful recanalization or thrombectomy, and it can indicate recurrent thrombosis, restenosis, or vessel dissection. Reocclusion can lead to renewed ischemia and may require repeat intervention, changes in antithrombotic therapy, or alternative treatment strategies. The time frame for reocclusion can range from hours to days, depending on factors such as underlying atherosclerosis, hypercoagulable states, technical aspects of the procedure, and patient adherence to medication.

Prevention and management focus on reducing thrombosis risk and maintaining patency. Strategies may include optimizing antiplatelet or anticoagulant regimens, addressing modifiable risk factors (such as hypertension, diabetes, and lipid disorders), and, when appropriate, performing repeat endovascular procedures or surgical revision.

The term can also appear in ophthalmology, describing reocclusion of retinal or other ocular vessels after treatment. While commonly used in clinical notes and research, the word reoccluded emphasizes the recurrence of occlusion rather than a one-time event.