Atherectomy is a catheter technique that removes or modifies dense plaque inside a coronary artery so that a balloon and stent can expand properly. It is used mainly for heavily calcified blockages, which resist ordinary balloons and can prevent stents from opening fully.

Patients seeking an interventional cardiologist in Mumbai at Apex are evaluated with angiography and sometimes intravascular imaging, such as ultrasound inside the artery, which shows how much calcium is present. Different devices are available. A rotational device uses a tiny, rapidly spinning burr to grind calcium into fine particles, while other tools use orbital sanding or laser energy.

Atherectomy is done during an angioplasty procedure, under local anaesthesia, with temporary rhythm monitoring because some tools can slow the heartbeat. After the calcium is modified, the balloon and stent are placed as in standard angioplasty. Recovery is similar, with a hospital stay of one to two days and dual blood-thinning tablets afterwards. The procedure requires specific training and equipment, and it is used in carefully chosen cases.

How the Procedure Can Help

It allows the artery to be opened and stented effectively in hard, calcified disease, which might otherwise need bypass surgery.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include a tear or perforation of the artery, slow blood flow in the vessel, heart attack, rhythm slowing, bleeding and the risks of angioplasty and contrast dye. 
Chest pain, breathlessness or fainting afterwards needs urgent attention.