Atherectomy
An atherectomy is an invasive cardiology interventional procedure used to remove plaques that have developed in the coronary arteries. It utilizes the techniques of cardiac catherization described above to deliver a catheter to the affected coronary artery. In this case, the plaque is "vacuumed" out of your coronary artery. The procedure can be used in conjunction with balloon angioplasty and is most effective when the plaque deposits are soft.
Another type of atherectomy uses a device called a rotoblader, which "burrows" its way through the plaque. Using a special catheter inserted into the coronary artery, the rotoblader cuts its way into the plaque with a diamond tipped head, pulverizing it into microscopic pieces that float downstream and are disposed of by your body. The technique is most effective in calcified plaque, or soft-stone consistency. | 