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Procedures for Removing Plaque From the Coronary Arteries

Coronary blood vessels are responsible for cardiac, or coronary, circulation. Cardiac circulation sustains the cardiac muscle, or myocardium. Coronary arteries accomplish this by bringing blood, rich in oxygen and nutrients, to the muscle tissue of the heart. If a blockage occurs in the coronary arteries the heart will not receive enough oxygen to function efficiently. There are a few surgical procedures that help remove plaque from the arteries, opening previously blocked arteries, and allowing sufficient blood flow to the heart.

  1. Atherosclerosis

    • Atherosclerosis is caused by a buildup of plaque, usually caused by fatty deposits and cholesterol, in the arteries. This may result in a narrowing of the blood vessels, restricting the blood flow. More commonly, pieces of plaque rupture and cause the formation of blood clots that may travel to another part of the body. This presents the danger of heart attack or stroke.

    Angioplasty

    • Angioplasty is a procedure that is used to increase blood flow through an artery that is blocked by plaque. A special plastic tube, or catheter, is inserted in the artery of the groin and advanced to the coronary arteries. There is a balloon on the end of the catheter that is inflated to widen the area that has been blocked. Frequently, a stent, or mesh like device is implanted at the site of the blockage to help keep the artery open.

    Laser Angioplasty

    • Laser angioplasty is very similar to traditional angioplasty, with a catheter being inserted and advanced to the coronary arteries. In this procedure, the catheter has a laser top that uses pulsating beams of light to vaporize the plaque buildup and open the blood vessel.

    Atherectomy

    • An atherectomy is another procedure that has similarities to angioplasty. Again, a catheter is threaded to the coronary arteries. This catheter has a rotating shaver attached to the tip. This shaver rotates to chip away at the plaque and remove it from the artery.

    Warning Signs

    • Speak to your doctor if you are at all concerned about your heart health. Beware of pain felt in one or both arms, jaw, neck or stomach. Watch out for a squeezing sensation in the chest. Nausea, sweating, and ligheadness are possible warning signs of a heart attack also. Shortness of breath, with or without chest pain, is another sign it is time to contact your physician.

    Prevention

    • There are some simple things you can do to avoid atherosclerosis. Regular exercise and healthy habits can help prevent plaque from building up. Tobacco smoke greatly speeds atherosclerosis and should be avoided at all costs. Blood pressure and cholesterol should be monitored. Diabetes should be kept under control. Diet should include nutrient rich foods and limit fats and sugars.

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