Rotational atherectomy (PTCRA)

Percutaneous transluminal coronary rotational atherectomy (PTCRA) is the technique by which a diamond coated burr rotating at high velocity is used to pulverize the atherosclerotic plaque into tiny particles, usually smaller than the red blood cells. PTCRA is useful mainly for debulking of calcified lesions which would otherwise not yield even to high pressure balloon inflations. The basic equipment used is called the rotablator console. The disposables used for each case are the advancer, rota burr and the rota guide wire. Rotation of the burr needs high pressure compressed air or nitrogen. The console has a tachometer which displays the rotational speed. Turbine pressure gauge displays the pressure delivered to the advancer. The floppy guide wire used for rotablator has a length of 325 mm with a 22 mm soft spring tip. The extra support guide wire has a 28 mm soft spring tip.