Rotational atherectomies is a medical term for a procedure that removes plaque from the arteries using a rotating drill-like device. The word has an interesting spelling that can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "ro-" is pronounced using an open-o sound /ɑ/ as in "father". The second syllable "-ta-" is pronounced with a short a sound /æ/. The third syllable "-tio-" has a distinct sh sound /ʃ/, while the fourth syllable "-nal" is pronounced with a long a sound /eɪ/. Overall, the word is pronounced as roh-TAY-shuh-nal ath-uh-REK-tuh-mees.
Rotational atherectomy refers to a medical procedure used in the field of interventional cardiology to treat coronary artery disease. This technique involves the use of a specialized device, known as a rotablator, which consists of a small, diamond-coated burr attached to a high-speed drill. During the procedure, the rotablator is guided through a small incision in a blood vessel, typically the femoral artery, and directed to the site of the plaque buildup in the affected coronary artery.
Once in position, the burr is activated and spins rapidly, disintegrating or abrading the calcified plaque within the artery walls. This rotational motion helps to remove the plaque by creating small particles that can be easily carried away by the bloodstream. As the plaque is shaved away, the artery becomes widened and the blood flow improves, thus alleviating symptoms such as chest pain and reducing the risk of a heart attack.
Rotational atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia. It is most commonly used when traditional treatments such as medications or balloon angioplasty are ineffective or not suitable for certain patients. It requires skilled operators with a deep understanding of coronary anatomy and expertise in using the rotablator device. Proper patient selection is crucial to minimize the risk of complications, which may include artery dissection, perforation, or abrupt vessel closure.
In conclusion, rotational atherectomy is a specialized interventional cardiology technique that uses a high-speed rotating burr to remove calcified plaque from coronary arteries, improving blood flow and treating coronary artery disease.
The word "rotational atherectomy" consists of two main components: "rotational" and "atherectomy".
1. Rotational: The term "rotational" is derived from the verb "rotate", which comes from the Latin word "rotatus", meaning "to turn in a circle". It refers to the action of rotating or spinning around an axis.
2. Atherectomy: The term "atherectomy" is a medical term that combines "athero-" and "-ectomy". "Athero-" derives from the Greek word "atherē", meaning "porridge" or "gruel", which is used metaphorically to describe arteries that have become thickened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque. The suffix "-ectomy" comes from the Greek word "ektomē" meaning "cutting out" or "excision".