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Atherectomy of a coronary artery

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

A rotational extraction device spins at a high speed and pulverizes plaque, which is then safely washed away in your bloodstream. Or, the device may filter or capture the particles of plaque to remove them from the blood.

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

Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD
- Cardiology
Specialist Medical Reviewer Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD
- Diet and Nutrition
Last Updated January 8, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 08, 2008
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