Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is the first in the Capital Region to perform a combination procedure with both the Rotablator™ Rotational Atherectomy System and the Shockwave lithotripsy balloon to treat coronary artery disease, a condition where calcified plaque builds up in the coronary arteries.
The procedure was performed by CIS interventional cardiologist Dr. Nayan Agarwal on November 3 at Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary.
The combination of the Rotablator™ and Shockwave lithotripsy balloon is unique in that the Rotablator™ is used first to spin and sand the hardened plaque in the vessel, preparing it to conform to the Shockwave balloon. The shockwave technology uses sonic pressure waves to create micro-fractures in the calcium to break it up, with the low-pressure balloon expanding the vessel and restoring blood flow. This is a novel application of lithotripsy, an approach that uses sonic pressure waves to safely break up kidney stones.
“The combination of these two technologies offers a smoother and more precise opening of the blocked vessel,” explained Dr. Agarwal. “This is a safe and proven treatment option for our patients with a lower risk of complications than other conventional or high-pressure balloons, and we are proud to offer it at Lane Regional Medical Center.”
To schedule an appointment with a CIS cardiologist, visit www.cardio.com.
PHOTO: Pictured from left to right are Rohn Simon (Shockwave), Kim Butts (Shockwave), Nedra Wright RN MSN, Bennett Templet RTR, Doni Guidry (Boston Scientific), Nayan Agarwal MD, and James Pierce RTR. Not pictured are Eric Rome RN RCIS and Laura Peel RN.
