Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
rotational atherectomy
A technique using a diamond-tipped burr to ablate calcified coronary plaque during PCI.
Full Definition
Rotational atherectomy is a specialized interventional technique that employs a high-speed rotating burr with diamond chips to selectively ablate calcified atherosclerotic plaque. The procedure is typically reserved for heavily calcified lesions that are difficult to treat with conventional balloon angioplasty and stenting. The burr rotates at speeds of 140,000-200,000 rpm and creates microscopic debris that is cleared by the coronary circulation. Rotational atherectomy facilitates balloon expansion and stent delivery in calcified vessels that would otherwise be undilatable.
Usage
Usage note: Often colloquially referred to as 'rotablation' in clinical practice.
In Context
- "Rotational atherectomy was performed to modify the calcified plaque prior to stent implantation." — Procedural report
- "The heavily calcified right coronary artery lesion required rotational atherectomy for successful treatment." — Clinical case discussion
Also known as
rotablation
rotational ablation
Contrasted with
balloon angioplasty
Don't confuse with
orbital atherectomy
cutting balloon angioplasty