What is rotational atherectomy (Rotablator) and laser atherectomy?

These are procedures to remove fat from the arteries. Rotational atherectomy is a process by which a special catheter (in the form of an olive, which contains a diamond cutter) is introduced through a catheter up to the coronary arteries. Once arrived at the obstruction site (stenosis), the « olive » spins (rotates) at very high speeds in order to trhansform fat into microparticles. The microparticles that result will be washed into the bloodstream, says Alexandru Mischie, interventional cardiologist.

These techniques are especially recommended where coronary artery obstructions are are cannot be dilated with a balloon.

What is intravascular ultrasound (intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)) and Optical Coherence tomography (OCT)) ?

These are techniques by which a catheter reaches the coronary artery stenosis, captures precise images of the interior of the vessel (it looks at the vessel from the inside, in sections of 360 degrees). They are processed at the end of the investigation and will guide the doctor on how severe is the stenosis and what is the composition composition of that stenosis (calcium, cholesterol, etc.); according to these parameters the cardiologist chooses the best option for the patient (drugs, stent or coronary artery bypass graft surgery), says Alexandru Mischie, cardiologue.

All data on this site is purely informational and should not be considered medical advice. If you need a medical oppinion consult a physician.