Coronary atherectomy (/kəˈrɒnəri ˈæθərˌɛktəmi/) is a medical procedure used to remove blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The word "atherectomy" comes from "atherosclerosis," the buildup of plaque in the arteries, and "ectomy," the removal of tissue. "Coronary" refers to the heart's arteries. The spelling of the word is derived from Latin and Greek roots and is pronounced as kuh-raw-nuh-ree ath-uh-rek-tuh-mee. This treatment is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and other heart-related diseases.
Coronary atherectomy refers to a medical procedure used to treat blockages or narrowings (stenosis) in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. The procedure involves the removal of plaque or fatty deposits that accumulate on the inner lining of the arteries, specifically the coronary arteries.
Coronary atherectomy is typically performed in cases where traditional angioplasty or stenting may be inadequate or carry higher risks due to the complexity of the arterial blockages. It is often employed as an alternative or adjunctive treatment option alongside other interventions.
The procedure is commonly carried out in a cardiac catheterization lab or an interventional suite, under local anesthesia. A specially designed catheter with a rotating burr or blade is advanced through a small incision, usually in the groin area, and threaded to the affected coronary artery. The burr or blade is then activated, allowing it to spin at high speeds, effectively shaving or cutting the plaque buildup from the artery walls. The removed plaque particles are usually captured by a suction device within the catheter or flushed out with saline irrigation.
By eliminating or reducing the plaque present in the artery, coronary atherectomy aims to improve blood flow to the heart muscle, relieving symptoms such as chest pain (angina) and reducing the risk of heart attack. After the procedure, the treated artery may be further supported with additional interventions, including balloon angioplasty or stenting, to maintain an adequate opening for blood flow.
It is important to note that coronary atherectomy is a specialized procedure that requires extensive training and expertise in interventional cardiology. It is usually performed by an interventional cardiologist, who works closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.
The word "coronary atherectomy" is a medical term that consists of two components: "coronary" and "atherectomy".
1. Coronary: The term "coronary" refers to the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. The word "coronary" is derived from the Latin word "corona", meaning "crown". This is because the coronary arteries encircle the heart like a crown.
2. Atherectomy: The term "atherectomy" is a combination of two components: "athero-" and "-ectomy".
- Athero-: The prefix "athero-" is derived from the Greek word "atheros", meaning "porridge". It is used in medical terminology to refer to the buildup of fatty deposits or plaque within the arteries, known as atherosclerosis.