Rotational Atherectomy
What is it?
Rotational atherectomy is a highly specialised catheterization procedure to remove plaque within a blocked or narrowed artery due to a large amount of calcium build up. This is usually performed when balloon angioplasty is not possible or suitable to open up a blocked artery. Rotational atherectomy uses a revolving instrument called a Rotablator to break up calcified plaque clogging a coronary artery in order to restore blood flow to the heart. We offer this service as part of complex coronary intervention to suitable patients.
Rotational atherectomy is a highly specialised catheterization procedure to remove plaque within a blocked or narrowed artery due to a large amount of calcium build up. This is usually performed when balloon angioplasty is not possible or suitable to open up a blocked artery. Rotational atherectomy uses a revolving instrument called a Rotablator to break up calcified plaque clogging a coronary artery in order to restore blood flow to the heart. We offer this service as part of complex coronary intervention to suitable patients.
How it works?
Rotational atherectomy involves navigating a catheter fitted with a Rotablator device (diamond coated burr) through the site of the blockage, where it gently pulverizes the blockage into tiny particles that can pass safely through the bloodstream (particles smaller than red blood cells). Angioplasty and stenting are often performed after rotational atherectomy to improve the results and prevent the artery from re-narrowing. Why it’s done As you age your arteries can become clogged from build up of cholesterol plaques and calcium reducing blood flow to heart muscle. This narrowing of the arteries can cause a number of serious heart problems, including:
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What to expect
You will be admitted to the hospital on the day of the procedure. During the procedure your Cardiologist will insert a catheter into an artery in the groin or wrist and guide it to the coronary artery to locate the narrowed or blocked artery. A dye is then injected into the artery to enable the Cardiologist to see the narrowed artery and the exact size and location. Using a guide wire the Cardiologist then threads another catheter with a small rotating drill at the tip to the site to remove the blockage. With a successful procedure, within a very short period of time (approximately five minutes), the patient can expect to have improved blood flow to the heart. |