rotational atherectomy
Technique using high-speed rotating burr to ablate calcified plaque and facilitate balloon or stent delivery.
Full Definition
Rotational atherectomy is a technique that employs a high-speed rotating diamond-coated burr to ablate calcified atherosclerotic plaque, creating microscopic particles that are safely absorbed by the reticuloendothelial system. This procedure is primarily used to modify heavily calcified lesions that are not amenable to conventional balloon angioplasty, thereby facilitating subsequent balloon dilatation and stent deployment. The technique requires careful attention to burr sizing, rotational speed, and advancement technique to minimize complications.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'rotablation' but should be spelled out in formal documentation.
In Context
- "Rotational atherectomy was performed to modify the heavily calcified lesion prior to stent placement." — Procedure report
- "The calcified plaque required rotational atherectomy before balloon dilation could be attempted." — Case planning notes