Atherectomy?

Posted By  CCF CARDIO MD sc on October 20, 1997 at 16:41:15:

In Reply to: Atherectomy? posted by Ed in NM on October 11, 1997 at 22:07:28:

: What progress has been made in the past five year in the treatment of
  blocked narrow coronary vessels, small vessels that are not candidates
  for angioplasty and where grafts are difficult? Thanks.

[CCF Cardio MD sc]

Dear Ed
The field of interventional cardiology is one that is in a state of constant evolution, and there is a constant advancement in the development of new devices such as better stents that are more flexible and smaller in size, and balloons that are smaller and easier to advance into small distal vessels that were previously thought to be too small.  So in answer to your question  I would not let the fact that nothing could be done 5 years ago, dissuade you from getting an opinion at this point in time. If however, there really is nothing that can be done towards opening these arteries, the particular patient may be a candidate for laser revascularization. This is a novel treatment that can be done either via a surgical procedure or now via a percutaneous approach via catheters introduced at the groin.
The Cleveland Clinic is currently involved in a study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal myocardial revascularization utilizing a laser system. Eligible patients are currently being enrolled. In addition, transmyocardial revascularization utilizing a carbon dioxide laser via a surgical approach is also being offered to eligible patients. Further information and/or an appointment with one of our cardiologist can be obtained by calling the office of Dr. P. Whitlow @ (216)- 444-0052.
Information in this forum is intended for general information only and not for diagnostic purposes. Specific diagnosis should only be done by the primary physician directly involved in patient care.