Clearing 4cm blockage in right main

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Is there a solution to remove plaque in the right main when the lead guide wire tip does not penetrate a 4cm occlusion?  These are really two questions:  1  Is there new type of guide wire to get through long occlusions?    2   If you get through is there a way to remove long calcified plaque(instead of only pressing it against the walls)?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Your question is somewhat technical and beyond the scope of the forum.  Is the artery completely blocked?  If this is the case then there is probably no benefit to opening the artery.  If it is partially open then it is just a matter of trying different wires to try to cross the stenosis.  There are other methods to open stenosis besides ballon angioplasty such as rotational athrectomy and laser and we do both of these procedures here.  If you would like to be seen at the Clinic for a second opinion call 1-800-CCF-CARE and ask to make an appointment with one of the interventional cardiologists.  We will need to review the actual films from your doctor so bring those along with you.  Hope this information helps.