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UW Health SMPH

Atherectomy of a Coronary Artery

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Picture of a directional atherectomy device removing plaque
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A directional atherectomy device cuts away plaque, which is then collected in the tip of the device.

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Picture of a rotational cutting device removing plaque
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A rotational cutting device spins at a high speed and pulverizes plaque, which is then safely washed away in your bloodstream.

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Picture of a transluminal extraction device removing plaque
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A transluminal extraction device cuts away plaque using tiny rotating blades. The loose plaque is sucked into a tube through a vacuum.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Specialist Medical Reviewer Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology
Last Revised April 5, 2012

Last Revised: April 5, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology

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