Atherectomy
Some catheter-based devices actually remove the plaque itself, a process known
as atherectomy, or ablation. There are a number of different types. One works
like a shaver, cutting the soft plaque from the obstruction site and depositing
it in a capsule which is then withdrawn. Another model cuts the plaque and
suctions it away. |
|
Atherocath
courtesy Guidant
|
Rotablator,
courtesy
Boston Scientific
|
|
If the plaque has hardened, and
become calcified, the interventional cardiologist can use a
device, called a rotational atherectomy catheter: an olive-shaped
diamond burr which rotates at extremely high speed and works
like a sander to pulverize the obstruction into harmless microscopic
particles that are washed away by the blood. |
| Some catheters have
also been fitted with special lasers which can photo-dissolve
the tissue obstructing the arteries. |
|
Laser catheter
courtesy Spectranetics
|
|
Next
Section: "Restenosis"