Which statement best describes the EV3-Foxhollow Silverhawk system?

Which statement best describes the EV3-Foxhollow Silverhawk system?

• A. Directional, battery powered, excises plaque, monorail system
• B. Static laser-based catheter
• C. Rotational atherectomy burr with suction
• D. Cryoplasty catheter with cold therapy

Answer: (A)

The EV3-Foxhollow Silverhawk system is a directional atherectomy catheter that mechanically cuts away plaque and aspirates the debris as the catheter is guided over a wire (monorail design) and powered by a console to drive the cutter. This combination—directional cutting to excise plaque with suction removal over a guidewire—is what sets it apart from other modalities. It is not a laser-based catheter, which ablates tissue with light energy; it is not a rotational atherectomy burr, which grinds plaque with a rotating burr; and it is not a cryoplasty catheter, which uses cold therapy to dilate the vessel.

The EV3-Foxhollow Silverhawk system is a directional atherectomy catheter that mechanically cuts away plaque and aspirates the debris as the catheter is guided over a wire (monorail design) and powered by a console to drive the cutter. This combination—directional cutting to excise plaque with suction removal over a guidewire—is what sets it apart from other modalities. It is not a laser-based catheter, which ablates tissue with light energy; it is not a rotational atherectomy burr, which grinds plaque with a rotating burr; and it is not a cryoplasty catheter, which uses cold therapy to dilate the vessel.