Coronary atherectomy is a medical procedure used to treat coronary artery disease by removing plaque buildup from the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This plaque buildup can restrict blood flow, leading to chest pain (angina) or increasing the risk of a heart attack.
During a coronary atherectomy procedure:
Preparation: The patient is typically given local anesthesia, and a small incision is made in the groin or wrist area to access the blood vessel.
Insertion of Catheter: A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the blood vessel and guided to the site of the blockage in the coronary artery using imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or angiography.
Plaque Removal: Once the catheter reaches the narrowed area of the artery, a special device attached to the catheter is used to remove the plaque buildup. There are different types of atherectomy devices, including rotational atherectomy, directional atherectomy, orbital atherectomy, and laser atherectomy. These devices use various mechanisms, such as cutting, shaving, or vaporizing, to remove the plaque and restore blood flow.
Monitoring and Recovery: Throughout the procedure, the patient’s vital signs and heart function are monitored closely. After the plaque removal is complete, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. The patient is typically observed for a short period before being discharged.
Coronary atherectomy is often used as an alternative or adjunct to balloon angioplasty and stent placement in cases where the plaque is too hard or calcified to be adequately treated with balloon angioplasty alone. It can help improve blood flow through the coronary arteries, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack or stroke.