Which catheter-based procedure uses a cutting device, whirling blade, or laser beam to remove plaque?

Which catheter-based procedure uses a cutting device, whirling blade, or laser beam to remove plaque?

• A. Atherectomy
• B. Stenting
• C. Balloon angioplasty
• D. Pacemaker insertion

Answer: (A)

Atherectomy involves removing plaque from an artery using a cutting device, a rotating or whirling blade, or laser energy. This catheter-based approach physically debulks or excises the atherosclerotic material to open the vessel lumen and restore blood flow. Different types exist, such as directional atherectomy (cutting away plaque and collecting it), rotational or orbital atherectomy (a high-speed burr sands away calcium and plaque), and laser atherectomy (laser energy ablates plaque). This is distinct from balloon angioplasty, which compresses plaque against the wall without removing it; stenting, which places a scaffold to keep the artery open after dilation; and pacemaker insertion, which treats rhythm disorders rather than removing plaque. So the described procedure is atherectomy.

Atherectomy involves removing plaque from an artery using a cutting device, a rotating or whirling blade, or laser energy. This catheter-based approach physically debulks or excises the atherosclerotic material to open the vessel lumen and restore blood flow. Different types exist, such as directional atherectomy (cutting away plaque and collecting it), rotational or orbital atherectomy (a high-speed burr sands away calcium and plaque), and laser atherectomy (laser energy ablates plaque). This is distinct from balloon angioplasty, which compresses plaque against the wall without removing it; stenting, which places a scaffold to keep the artery open after dilation; and pacemaker insertion, which treats rhythm disorders rather than removing plaque. So the described procedure is atherectomy.