Coronary Atherectomy

Also known as: Directional Coronary Atherectomy (DCA)

Duration: About 1 to 2 hours

An atherectomy is a term for a group of procedures that use sharp blades to remove plaque (fat and calcium buildup) from clogged arteries.

A coronary atherectomy removes plaque from the coronary arteries. It is a minimally invasive procedure that follows the cardiac catheterization to improve blood flow to your heart muscle when severe calcium and/or fat builds up in the coronary arteries that an insertion and expansion of a stent is not possible.

Uses: 

• To treat severe coronary artery disease (CAD)
• To treat cases where a previously placed stent has become narrowed again

Preparing for the procedure: 

Download Pre Procedure Instructions

How the procedure is performed: 

• Firstly, a diagnostic cardiac catheterization is performed to check for any blocks in the coronary arteries. A catheter (a thin, long tube) is placed in either your arms, legs, or groin and is monitored by an x-ray camera until it reaches the coronaries.
• A contrast dye is then infused so that the arteries can be seen. 
• If an artery is blocked, you may require a coronary atherectomy to remove plaque from the clogged arteries.
  • Rotational Atherectomy – involves removing plaque by using a rotating catheter with a diamond-tipped blade
  • Orbital Atherectomy – involves using the Diamondback 360° Orbital Atherectomy System to remove the plaque with orbital motion
  • Laser Atherectomy – uses a laser-tipped catheter to treat complex blockages
• Once the atherectomy is completed, your cardiologist will determine if a balloon angioplasty with or without stent placement would be required.

After the procedure: 

Download Post Procedure Instructions