Coronary atherectomy is a procedure intended to remove calcified or hardened plaque that is blocking an artery and the blood supply to the heart. A diamond-tipped burr, called a rotoblator, is inserted using a catheter.
It uses an abrasive burr near the tip of the catheter to grind the plaque into small particles that float harmlessly away in the bloodstream. This procedure is typically followed by stent placement.
For more specific, detailed information regarding this or any other cardiac procedure, please call the Cardiac Cath Lab at (608)775-2233 or (800) 362-9567, ext. 52233, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.