J Cardiovasc Interv.  2025 Jan;4(1):29-39. 10.54912/jci.2024.0026.

Rotational Atherectomy: A to Z

• Jung J
• Her SH

• KMID: 2564253
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.54912/jci.2024.0026

Abstract

As the population ages and medical technology advances, the number of percutaneous coronary interventions performed on patients with severe coronary artery calcification (CAC) is expected to increase. Severe CAC hinders device delivery, leading to polymer damage and stent underexpansion, which are major causes of restenosis. As a result, patients with severe CAC have historically experienced poor clinical outcomes during the era of drugeluting stents. Therefore, overcoming severe CAC is crucial for successful procedures and better patient prognosis. Rotational atherectomy (RA) is a useful tool in the interventional treatment of calcified coronary lesions. Since RA is highly dependent on the operator's experience, it is necessary to be thoroughly familiar with the procedure’s methods, steps, and strengths and weaknesses.

Keyword

Rotational atherectomy; Coronary artery disease; Percutaneous coronary intervention