Rotational Atherectomy

What is Rotational Atherectomy?
Rotational Atherectomy is a special technique used during angioplasty (PCI) to remove hard calcium deposits inside the heart arteries.

It helps open up heavily blocked or calcified arteries that cannot be treated with regular balloons and stents.

 

Why is it needed?
Sometimes, the artery becomes so hard and rigid due to calcium, that the balloon cannot pass or expand.

In such cases, atherectomy is used to prepare the artery and make the angioplasty successful.

 

Types of Atherectomy:

1. Rotablation (Rotational Atherectomy)
Uses a tiny diamond-tipped drill that rotates at very high speed (about 150,000 rpm).

It gently grinds the calcium into micro-particles, making the artery smoother for balloon and stent placement.

 

2. Orbital Atherectomy
Uses a spinning crown that moves in a side-to-side (orbital) motion.

It sands away calcium more broadly and is especially helpful in large or long calcified lesions.

 

How Does Atherectomy Help in PCI?

• Prepares the artery by removing hard calcium.

• Allows balloon and stent to be placed safely and effectively.

• Improves stent expansion, which reduces the chances of stent failure.

• Reduces chest pain and improves blood flow to the heart.

• Increases success rate of angioplasty in difficult cases.