Rotational Atherectomy: Benefits, Risks & Recovery

Rotational atherectomy is a specialized heart procedure used to treat severely calcified coronary arteries when standard balloon angioplasty is not effective. It employs a high-speed, diamond-coated burr to gently sand away hardened plaque, restoring blood flow and enabling stent placement. This technique is typically recommended for patients with rigid blockages that make traditional methods challenging. While the procedure offers clear benefits in improving vessel flexibility and reducing complications during stenting, it also carries potential risks. Understanding how rotational atherectomy works, its advantages, risks, and recovery process helps patients make informed decisions with their cardiologist.