Heavily calcified atherosclerotic plaques in patients with chronic or acute coronary syndromes pose a challenge to modern interventional cardiology. The Hemodynamics Laboratory of the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology UCC MUW has joined the ranks of the few centers in Poland performing complex coronary artery procedures using orbital atherectomy.
This method mechanically removes calcified atherosclerotic plaques that are not susceptible to standard treatment. During the procedure, a rotating diamond-coated crown is inserted into the coronary artery for one minute to remove calcified plaques located on the vessel wall. The unique design of the orbital atherectomy allows the treatment of coronary arteries with a diameter of 2.5 to 4 mm with massive calcifications covering the entire circumference of the vessel. The use of orbital atherectomy enables successful implantation of coronary stents and improved distant results of coronary angioplasty.
Photo: Natalia Smoła/Marek Roik
