What are the different types of atherectomy devices?

What are the different types of atherectomy devices?

• A. Laser, Cryo, Stent
• B. Rotational, Orbital, Directional
• C. Balloon, Stent, Filter
• D. Pharmacologic, Electrical, Thermal

Answer: (B)

Atherectomy devices are categorized by how they remove or modify plaque. The three main types you’ll see are rotational, orbital, and directional. Rotational atherectomy uses a high-speed burr that spins to ablate calcium and debulk plaque, helping calcified lesions become easier to dilate with a balloon. Orbital atherectomy employs a diamond-coated crown that orbits within the vessel, sanding away calcium and gradually enlarging the lumen as the orbit widens. Directional atherectomy uses a cutter to shave plaque from the vessel wall and collects the debris in a nosecone, effectively debulking plaque in targeted directions. These three categories cover the principal mechanical approaches to atherectomy, which is why this option is the best choice. Other options mix devices not used for atherectomy (like balloons or stents) or include modalities that aren’t the standard three mechanical types.

Atherectomy devices are categorized by how they remove or modify plaque. The three main types you’ll see are rotational, orbital, and directional.

Rotational atherectomy uses a high-speed burr that spins to ablate calcium and debulk plaque, helping calcified lesions become easier to dilate with a balloon. Orbital atherectomy employs a diamond-coated crown that orbits within the vessel, sanding away calcium and gradually enlarging the lumen as the orbit widens. Directional atherectomy uses a cutter to shave plaque from the vessel wall and collects the debris in a nosecone, effectively debulking plaque in targeted directions.

These three categories cover the principal mechanical approaches to atherectomy, which is why this option is the best choice. Other options mix devices not used for atherectomy (like balloons or stents) or include modalities that aren’t the standard three mechanical types.