atherectomy
Pronunciation: ath-er-EK-tuh-mee
Interventional procedure that removes atherosclerotic plaque from arterial walls using cutting or ablative devices.
Full Definition
Atherectomy is a percutaneous interventional technique that physically removes atherosclerotic plaque from arterial walls rather than simply compressing it as in balloon angioplasty. Various atherectomy devices are available including directional (cutting), rotational (grinding), orbital (sanding), and laser (ablative) systems. Each type uses different mechanisms to debulk plaque: directional atherectomy cuts and retrieves tissue, rotational atherectomy uses a diamond-coated burr to pulverize plaque, and laser atherectomy vaporizes tissue. The procedure is particularly useful for heavily calcified lesions, in-stent restenosis, and vessels where optimal balloon expansion is limited by plaque characteristics.
Usage
Usage note: No hyphenation. Often preceded by the specific type (directional, rotational, orbital, laser).
In Context
- "Rotational atherectomy was performed prior to balloon angioplasty of the heavily calcified lesion." — Procedure note
- "Directional atherectomy achieved excellent plaque debulking with minimal residual stenosis." — Intervention report