title: Coronary atherectomy: report of the first experience in Hawaii.
abstract: Since Andreas Gruentzig first introduced percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 1977, the ability to revascularize occluded coronary vessels with a catheter has enjoyed an explosive and unimaginable growth. As the equipment and operator experience improved, the possibilities appeared boundless. However, balloon angioplasty is hampered by a significant restenosis rate in the dilated vessel (approximately 30%), which is higher in selected locations (up to 60% in the proximal left anterior descending artery), even in the best of hands. This fundamental limitation may in part be due to the actual nature of the technique itself--stretching the vessel and fissuring the plaque causing remodeling without removal. The uneven, exposed vessel surface post-plaque rupture may contribute to activation of the hemostatic system, with acute thrombosis and release of various platelet and endothelial-derived growth factors, leading to long-term tissue proliferation and restenosis. Atherectomy, the mechanical removal of plaque from the vessel wall, appears to be an answer. This process actually debulks the culprit tissue and leaves behind a smoother, presumably less thrombogenic surface. We wish to report our first experience with a specific form of this technique in 4 consecutive patients, with a brief discussion of its promises and limitations.
authors: Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Straub Clinic & Hospital, University of Hawaii, John A Burns School of Medicine.
authors: E N
authors: EN
authors: Shen
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Chen
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Ashmore
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Kai
authors: R
authors: R
authors: White
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Scully
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Grattan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017225:Atherectomy, Coronary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography