Orbital Atherectomy
Orbital atherectomy (OA) is a technique used to prepare severely calcified coronary artery lesions for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by modifying the plaque, allowing for better stent expansion.
Is safe and effective option for treating severely calcified coronary lesions,particularly in complex cases or high-risk patients where conventional techniques may be challenging or ineffective.
Who Needs ?
- Patients with severely calcified coronary artery lesions
- Candidates for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or stenting
- Those with calcium thickness >0.24 mm or calcium score ≥4
- Patients with complex lesions like left main disease, ostial lesions, chronic total occlusions
- Can be used in high-risk patients with comorbidities like diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease
Symptoms it can help with
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Other symptoms of coronary artery disease
Advantages post-procedure
- High rate of successful stent delivery (97.7% in ORBIT II trial)
- Low rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)
- Improves lesion compliance, facilitating stent implantation
- Relies on Reduces procedural complications compared to conventional techniques
- Can be used safely in patients with impaired left ventricular function
- Effective for complex, severely calcified lesions that are challenging to treat otherwise
- Allows treatment of coronary disease in high-risk patients
Key features
- Uses a diamond-coated crown that orbits to sand down calcified plaque
- FDA-approved for treating severely calcified coronary lesions
- Can adjust ablation diameter for different clinical scenarios
- Produces smaller particulates compared to other atherectomy devices
- Bidirectional motion reduces thermal injury
Atherectomy and Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty
FAQ
Orbital atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove hardened plaque (calcium) from inside blocked arteries. It helps improve blood flow and prepares the artery for stent placement, especially in patients with severely calcified coronary artery disease.
A small, diamond-coated device rotates inside the artery to gently sand away the calcium buildup, creating more space for blood to flow and allowing easier placement of a stent.
Patients with coronary artery disease and significant calcium deposits that make it hard to place a stent may benefit from this procedure. Your cardiologist will recommend it based on your artery condition and test results.
Yes, when performed by an experienced heart specialist, orbital atherectomy is generally safe and effective. It reduces the risk of stent failure in patients with heavily calcified arteries.
No, the procedure is not painful. It is done under local anesthesia with sedation, so you’ll be awake but relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
The procedure usually takes around 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity of the blockage. Patients are monitored closely during and after the procedure.
Recovery is generally quick. Most patients stay in the hospital for a day or two and can return to light activities within a few days, depending on overall health.
Possible risks include bleeding, artery damage, or slow heart rate. However, serious complications are rare when the procedure is done by skilled specialists.
Yes, in most cases, orbital atherectomy is used to prepare the artery for stent placement, which helps keep the blood vessel open long-term.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions, which may include fasting, stopping certain medications, and undergoing pre-procedure tests. Be sure to share your full medical history and ask any questions you may have.
What PATIENTS SAYS !!
Vishal Saxena
Heart Patient
I am grateful to Dr Gautam Swaroop for the medical treatment provided to me during my stay at Sahara hospital,when we lost all hopes ...We believe our prayers was answered by competent,composed and caring Dr Gautam swaroop...
Ram Dev Maurya
Heart Patient
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Bechan prasad mishra
Heart Patient
30 minutes after my heart attack I was rushed to Sahara hospital Dr. gautam swaroop put a Life saving stent immediately....and i am alive ....whenever I go and meet Dr. Gautam Swaroop for regular checkup I always feel I am in safe hands
Ranjan Kumar singh
Heart Patient
My patient was on ventilator because of heart attack. We were refused from all hospitals in Lucknow including LARI cardiology. We had lost hope. We admitted under Dr Gautam Swaroop. He did Angioplasty on ventilator and he saved my Father’s life. He has got miraculous hand.My whole family is thankful to him. He is next to God for us.
