atherectomy
A procedure that uses cutting, grinding, or laser devices to remove atherosclerotic plaque from inside blood vessels.
Full Definition
Atherectomy is a percutaneous technique for plaque removal that involves mechanical debulking of atherosclerotic material from arterial walls using specialized catheter-based devices. Types include rotational atherectomy (using a diamond-coated burr), directional atherectomy (with a cutting chamber), orbital atherectomy (using an eccentric crown), and laser atherectomy (vaporizing tissue with laser energy). These techniques are particularly useful for treating calcified lesions, in-stent restenosis, and bifurcation disease where balloon angioplasty alone may be insufficient. Atherectomy can improve procedural outcomes by facilitating stent delivery and expansion, though it carries risks of distal embolization and vessel perforation.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the type of atherectomy device used and any complications such as slow flow or perforation.
In Context
- "Rotational atherectomy was performed to modify the calcified plaque before stent deployment." — Procedure report
- "Directional atherectomy achieved a 20% reduction in plaque burden as measured by IVUS." — Research abstract