Orbital atherectomy procedure saves two heart patients

In a significant medical breakthrough, the Advanced Cardiac Institute (ACI) at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, affiliated with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur, has successfully performed the orbital atherectomy procedure to treat two heart patients with severe arterial calcification.

The procedure, led by Dr. Smit Srivastava, Head of Cardiology at ACI, facilitated smoother blood flow by effectively removing calcium deposits from the arteries.

Dr. Srivastava explained that orbital atherectomy is a specialized procedure used to address heavily calcified coronary arteries before angioplasty. The process involves the use of a 1.25 mm diamond-coated drill device, which crushes calcified plaque into microscopic particles approximately two microns in size. It ensures the arteries are thoroughly cleaned, enhancing blood flow and reducing the risk of heart attacks.

The procedure employs a diamond-coated bur that rotates on its axis, inserted into the artery through a thin catheter. The device grinds away the calcified surface, creating a smooth inner lining of the artery, which improves blood flow and facilitates successful angioplasty and stent placement.