Orbital Atherectomy Research Articles

Atherectomy Techniques: Rotablation, Orbital and Laser

Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite advancements in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). With an increasing ageing population, there is a significant challenge in addressing severe calcification in atherosclerotic plaque during angioplasty. This review article focuses on atherectomy strategies such as rotational atherectomy (RA), orbital atherectomy (OA) and excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) aimed at modifying calcified lesions and improving PCI outcomes. RA modifies plaque through rotational ablation, OA uses eccentrically mounted diamond-coated crown and has a reduced entrapment risk compared to RA. ELCA uses pulsatile laser energy to precisely ablate plaque tissue. This review provides insights into the mechanisms, procedural techniques and clinical outcomes associated with these calcium modification techniques. The selection of appropriate devices and adequate training are crucial for optimising lesion modification and enhancing procedural success. Further research and standardised protocols are required to overcome challenges associated with using these devices and expand their usage in clinical practice.

Rotational atherectomy versus orbital atherectomy for the treatment of calcified coronary lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 81,873 patients

Abstract Background Previous studies have suggested that pre-treatment of coronary artery calcification with rotational atherectomy (RA) prior to stent deployment can enhance procedural success, but this does not necessarily translate into improved clinical outcomes. Recently, the Orbital Atherectomy (OA) system has been introduced into clinical practice to enhance lesion preparation. Purpose Our study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of both RA and OA as pre-treatment strategies before stent deployment in patients with coronary artery calcification. Methods We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. These were identified through systematic PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane searches until January 2024. Dichotomous data were pooled using risk ratio (RR), and continuous data were pooled using mean difference (MD), both with a 95% confidence interval (CI), using Stata version 17. Results Our analysis included eleven studies encompassing 81,873 patients. No significant difference was observed between RA and OA in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (RR: 0.81 with 95% CI [0.64, 1.02], P= 0.07). However, OA was significantly associated with a decreased incidence of all-cause mortality (RR: 0.60 with 95% CI [0.52, 0.70], P< 0.01), target vessel revascularization (TVR) (RR: 0.43 with 95% CI [0.22, 0.82], P= 0.01), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (RR: 0.78 with 95% CI [0.62, 0.97], P= 0.03), and fluoroscopy time (MD: -3.93 with 95% CI [-7.39, -0.48], P= 0.03). There was no significant difference between RA and OA in cardiac death (RR: 2.65 with 95% CI [0.94, 7.51], P= 0.07), target lesion revascularization (TLR) (RR: 0.57 with 95% CI [0.23, 1.41], P= 0.22), myocardial infarction (RR: 0.79 with 95% CI [0.62, 1.01], P= 0.06), stent thrombosis (RR: 0.33 with 95% CI [0.09, 1.23], P= 0.10), stroke (RR: 0.76 with 95% CI [0.57, 1.01], P= 0.06), re-admission (RR: 0.76 with 95% CI [0.48, 1.19], P= 0.23), vessel closure (RR: 0.78 with 95% CI [0.18, 3.33], P= 0.74), procedural duration (MD: -5.43 with 95% CI [-21.71, 10.84], P= 0.51), length of hospital stay (MD: 0.21 with 95% CI [-0.47, 0.90], P= 0.54), and contrast amount (MD: -3.68 with 95% CI [-9.37, 2.01], P= 0.21). Conclusion Both RA and OA as pre-treatment strategies before stent deployment demonstrate similar outcomes for numerous cardiovascular events. However, OA is associated with lower rates of all-cause mortality, TVR, CABG, and fluoroscopy time.

Comparison of different calcium modification strategies for coronary calcified nodules: insights from optical coherence tomography

Abstract Background The optimal treatment strategy for coronary calcified nodules (CN) remains uncertain. Purpose We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of different calcium modification strategies for managing CN using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods In this single-center retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients undergoing OCT-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for severely calcified lesions using rotational atherectomy (RA), orbital atherectomy (OA), or intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) between January 2017 and December 2022 were included. OCT analysis was performed through our institutional core-laboratory to identify CN, assess plaque characteristics, and evaluate post-stent optimization. Primary outcomes were minimum stent area (MSA) and MSA at CN site post-PCI. One-year target vessel failure (TVF), defined as a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization, was also recorded. Results Among a total of 154 patients with 158 lesions, CN was identified in 54 lesions (34.2%) and managed with RA (39%, n=21), OA (33%, n=18), or IVL (28%, n=15). The IVL group exhibited a larger minimal lumen diameter, maximum calcium arc, and maximum calcium thickness at baseline. Post-PCI OCT demonstrated comparable MSA (RA: 5.91 ± 0.33mm², OA: 5.94 ± 0.38mm², IVL: 6.46 ± 0.45mm²; p=0.61) and MSA at CN site (6.77 ± 0.49mm², 6.71 ± 0.51mm², 7.13 ± 0.59mm², respectively; p=0.87) after adjusting for procedural and morphologic factors among the groups. The incidence of TVF at one year was similar among the groups. Conclusions In patients undergoing PCI for severely calcified lesions with CN, comparable procedural and clinical outcomes can be achieved using RA, OA, or IVL. The equivalence across these techniques underscores a role for individualized decision-making integrating patient- and lesion-specific characteristics, as well as center expertise when selecting a treatment strategy for CN.OCT findings and clinical outcomes

How to decide appropriate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) technique for managing heavy calcified coronary lesions: serial case-report

Background: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is still challenging for interventional cardiologists. Their contribution to major adverse cardiac events occurs from the high risk of stent thrombosis or in-stent restenosis and target lesion revascularization. Optimal preparation, such as coronary plaque modification before stenting, is required to reduce the risk of periprocedural adverse events. This case presentation aimed to describe the appropriate management of heavy calcified coronary lesions. Case Presentation: Two cases of heavy calcified coronary lesions with different baselines as Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) and elective PCI were presented. In our ACS patients, the Primary PCI was done by coronary angioplasty without stenting because of the complexity of the heavily calcified lesion. A referral to tertiary health care was made for further PCI procedures using a combination of calcium-ablation and balloon-based techniques. A treatable complication occurred after the orbital atherectomy was performed with good results. The second case was an elective PCI patient with heavy calcified lesions findings from coronary angiography. The balloon-based technique was performed using non-compliant and scoring balloons without complication and showed good results. Conclusion: The challenging points in managing heavy calcified coronary lesions are procedure complexity and the higher stent failure rate. Many modifying coronary calcification algorithms using advanced modalities have been proposed, which could be used to select the appropriate technique as experienced and increase the success rate. Keyword: balloon-based technique, calcium-ablation technique, heavy calcified coronary lesion, orbital atherectomy

Implications of calcified nodule and adjacent calcification severity for target lesion revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention: multi-center intravascular ultrasound imaging study

Abstract Background Calcified nodule (CN) is a distinct plaque phenotype, characterized as protruding nodular calcification penetrating lumen surface with the attached thrombus. Recent studies revealed that a risk of repeat revascularization after PCI was substantially elevated in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) attributable to CN. Furthermore, pathohistological studies have elucidated mechanistic insights into the formulation and progression of CN, suggesting that it is formulated by the fracture of sheet calcification at its adjacent segment. Purpose To elucidate the association of calcified plaque volume at CN and adjacent lesions with TLR risks in CAD patients receiving PCI by using IVUS imaging. Methods This multicenter study analyzed IVUS imaging at culprit segment was conducted in 204 CAD patients attributable to de novo CN receiving PCI. The calc grade was assigned at each 1-mm cross-sectional frame of CN and culprit segment, respectively (no calc=0, 1-89°=1, 90-179°=2, 180-269°=3, 270-360°=4). Calcium Volume Index (CVI) at both CN and adjacent zone were calculated (Figure; Calcification volume index at CN zone = the sum of calcium scores at CN・averaged lesion slices of CN / CN lesion slices, Calcification volume index at adjacent zone = the sum of calcium scores at adjacent zone・averaged lesion slices of adjacent zone / adjacent zone slices). Predictors of TLR were analyzed by multivariate Cox hazard model. Results CN was successfully treated by DES (82%) and DCB (18%). 34% and 8.3% of subjects required rotablator and orbital atherectomy, respectively. Consequently, final lumen area after PCI was 7.2 ± 0.4 mm2. During the 2.8-year observational period (interquartile range: 2.4 to 3.2 years), TLR was required in 63 patients (30.9%) of study population. CVI at CN and adjacent zone were 9.9 ± 0.4 and 7.0 ± 0.7, respectively. On multivariate analysis, hemodialysis, final lumen area, CVI at both CN and adjacent zone predicted TLR (Figure). Recurrent TLR (two or more TLRs) was found in 23.3% patients who suffered from TLR. Of note, even among patients who required TLR, CVIs at both zones were significantly higher in patients with recurrent TLR than those without (Figure). Conclusion CAD subjects caused by CN exhibited a considerably high-risk TLRs. Our findings underscore that calcification severity at both CN and adjacent segment predicted TLR and is associated with repeated TLR.methodsResults

Predictors of debulking devices use by coronary artery calcification classification using cardiac CT

Abstract Background Multi-slice computed tomography (CT) is useful for the non-invasive detection and quantification of coronary calcium burden. However, a definitive parameter based on CT imaging for predicting the need for debulking devices, such as rotational atherectomy (RA) and orbital atherectomy (OAS), has yet to be established. Purpose We aimed to develop a calcification risk score using cardiac CT to predict the use of debulking devices during coronary intervention. Methods In this retrospective, multi-center, observational study in Japan, patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were screened. Inclusion criteria were (1) cardiac CT within 6 months prior to PCI, (2) moderate or severe coronary calcification detected on CT, and (3) de novo lesions in a native coronary artery. A total of 349 lesions in 343 patients from 13 hospitals, there were 124 lesions that were treated with debulking devices and 225 lesions without debulking devices. Cardiac CT images were analyzed for circumferential degree, longitudinal length, intracoronary distribution of calcification, peak density, mean density, vessel bend and presence of bifurcation lesions. Data from a random two-thirds (the derivation cohort, n=247) were used to develop a new risk prediction model, which was then tested in the remaining one-third (the validation cohort, n=102). Odds ratios and the risk prediction model were developed using a logistic regression model. The predicted risk was translated into a simplified scoring system (Figure 1A). Results RA was used in 111 lesions and OAS in 23 lesions. Factors selected in the model included circumferential degree (≥270°: 3 points), bifurcation (2 points), longitudinal length (≥8mm: 1 point), and mean density (≥600 HU: 1 point) (Figure 1B). This model demonstrated good discrimination (c-statistic=0.772) and calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow χ²-statistic=0.885; P=0.64) in the validation cohort (Figure 2). Conclusions The new prediction model based on cardiac CT performed well in predicting the need for debulking devices. This could serve as an objective tool to support a clinical decision to use debulking devices even in cases where intravascular imaging is not applicable.Study flow and Cardiac CT calcium scoreDiscrimination and Calibration

Rotational, orbital atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy for coronary calcified nodules: insights from optical coherence tomography.

The optimal treatment strategy for coronary calcified nodules (CN) remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different calcium modification strategies, including rotational atherectomy (RA), orbital atherectomy (OA), and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) for managing CN with optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance. Consecutive patients undergoing OCT-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for severely calcified lesions using RA, OA, or IVL between January 2017 and December 2022 were included. Primary endpoint was minimum stent area (MSA) post-PCI. Secondary endpoints included MSA at CN site and 1-year target vessel failure (TVF), defined as a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization. Among 154 patients and 158 lesions, CN was identified in 54 lesions (34.2%) and managed with RA (39%, n = 21), OA (33%, n = 18), or IVL (28%, n = 15). The IVL group exhibited a larger minimal lumen diameter, maximum calcium arc, and maximum calcium thickness. Post-PCI OCT demonstrated comparable MSA (RA: 6.23 ± 0.34 mm², OA: 5.75 ± 0.39 mm², IVL: 6.24 ± 0.46 mm²; p = 0.62) and MSA at CN site (7.17 ± 0.43 mm², 6.46 ± 0.49 mm², 7.86 ± 0.56 mm², respectively; p = 0.55) after adjusting for morphologic factors. The incidence of TVF at 1 year was similar among the group (RA: 19.0%, OA: 22.2%, IVL: 13.3%, p = 0.81). In patients undergoing PCI for CN, similar procedural and clinical outcomes can be achieved using RA, OA, or IVL. These findings warrant further investigation in larger, prospective trials.

Different treatment modalities for underexpanded stents-Effectiveness and outcomes: A practical guide.

Underexpanded stents are a dreaded complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and are a major predictor of stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis. Lesion preparation and plaque modification before stent implantation are essential to prevent stent underexpansion and optimize the technical outcomes of PCI. Once stent underexpansion occurs, the treatment options are limited. New devices for the treatment of complex calcified lesions have emerged in the past few years, and experience has accumulated with their use in the treatment of underexpanded stents. This review aims to provide an evidence-based, practical summary of the approach to stent underexpansion, with particular attention to the expected luminal gain, complication rates, and technical nuances of various treatment options. These modalities include the ultrahigh pressure OPN noncompliant balloon, excimer laser coronary angioplasty, rotational and orbital atherectomy, and intravascular lithotripsy. The data gathered for each of these modalities and our experience in treating this complex condition were used to formulate a treatment algorithm for such cases.

Percutaneous coronary intervention with orbital atherectomy after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Percutaneous coronary intervention with orbital atherectomy after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

TCT-378 Contemporary Analysis and Outcomes of Orbital Atherectomy (OA) and Rotational Atherectomy (RA) for Inpatient Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

TCT-378 Contemporary Analysis and Outcomes of Orbital Atherectomy (OA) and Rotational Atherectomy (RA) for Inpatient Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

TCT-376 Debulking Effect of Orbital Atherectomy for Calcified Nodule Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography

TCT-376 Debulking Effect of Orbital Atherectomy for Calcified Nodule Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography

TCT-373 A Single-Center Review of Outcomes of Orbital Atherectomy in Patients With Coronary Calcium Nodules

TCT-373 A Single-Center Review of Outcomes of Orbital Atherectomy in Patients With Coronary Calcium Nodules

Combination Tools for Calcium Modification from RASER to Orbitalshock.

Coronary artery calcification is frequently encountered during percutaneous coronary intervention and its presence is associated with a higher risk of stent under-expansion which has been associated with long-term risk of stent failure. There are several different calcium modification strategies available, whether they be balloon-based devices (cutting/scoring and intravascular lithotripsy) or atherectomy devices (orbital atherectomy, rotational atherectomy, excimer laser coronary atherectomy) that are established for the modification of coronary calcification. Each strategy applies a different mechanism of action for calcium modulation and consequently the potential to combine modifying tools may offer synergistic advantages over device monotherapy. This article will focus on reviewing the evidence for the use of multiple calcium modification techniques and examine whether there really is any such synergistic effect of combining these tools.

Methods for treating coronary eruptive calcified nodules.

Eruptive calcified nodules (CNs) are a manifestation of severely calcified plaques, which exist in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), non-ACS lesions. Optical coherence tomography is crucial for diagnosing and treating eruptive CNs in clinical practice. Management of eruptive CNs is still a challenge for interventional cardiologists. There have been significant advances in the treatment of eruptive CNs such as intravascular lithotripsy, excimer laser coronary atherectomy, rotational atherectomy, and orbital atherectomy. We find a range of treatment modalities to be effective under different conditions. The selection of these devices should be considered based on guidewire position, lesion characteristics, clinical manifestations, and operator's experiences.

Orbital Atherectomy for Calcified Coronary Lesions: A Single Centre Experience

Orbital Atherectomy for Calcified Coronary Lesions: A Single Centre Experience

Quand l'orbital dépasse ses limites !

High calcified PCI are challenging because immediate and follow-up results are not optimal. We recommend using a specific preparation of these lesions, especially using atherectomy which can itself provide complications. We illustrate our comments with a clinical case where we have decided to treat a long-calcified lesion from left main to distal left artery descending with a specific preparation according orbital atherectomy. Procedure was complicated by a coronary perforation with favorable evolution. This case allows to report how to prevent a such complication and to remember how should we have to treat it.

The impact of novel scoring balloon and cutting balloon after orbital atherectomy on severely calcified coronary lesion as assessed by optical coherence tomography.

Debulking devices are often followed by a scoring or cutting balloon in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for severely calcified lesions. However, there are limited data on balloon preparation after orbital atherectomy (OA) assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). We aimed to compare the effects of a novel scoring and cutting balloon on calcified coronary lesions with OCT. We retrospectively examined 38 patients (38 lesions) who underwent PCI with a scoring or a cutting balloon after OA. All patients underwent pre-PCI, preballooning, postballooning, and post-PCI OCT imaging. We divided the patients into novel scoring-balloon (group A: n = 22) and cutting-balloon (group B: n = 16) groups and compared the OCT findings, including minimum lumen area (MLA) and expansion ratio (MLA divided by mean reference lumen area). The mean patient age was 76.1 ± 8.7 years; 71.5% were male. There were no significant differences in patient background between both groups. Regarding procedural characteristics, the maximum balloon pressure was significantly higher in group A (median 23 atm, interquartile range [IQR] 18-24 vs. 12 atm [IQR: 10-12], p < 0.01). Although a calcium score of 4 was more frequently observed in group A (86.4% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.12), post-PCI MLA was comparable between both groups (3.95 mm2 [IQR: 3.27-4.41] vs. 3.43 mm2 [IQR: 2.90-4.82], p = 0.63). Furthermore, the expansion ratio was significantly greater in group A (0.83 ± 0.20 vs. 0.68 ± 0.14, p < 0.01). Despite a higher calcium score, a larger expansion ratio was achieved in patients with a novel scoring balloon than in those with a cutting balloon after OA.

Initial experience with orbital atherectomy in a non-surgical center in Portugal

Introduction and objectivesPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of severely calcified lesions is associated with a higher risk of procedural complications, suboptimal stent expansion, and in-stent restenosis. Lesion preparation with orbital atherectomy (OA) in severely calcified lesions has been shown to increase procedural success and decrease reintervention rates. In this study, we sought to report the procedural safety and efficacy of our initial experience with OA in a non-surgical center in Portugal. MethodsPatients with severely calcified coronary lesions who were treated with intended intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided OA were included in a prospective single-center registry. We evaluated several endpoints, including: debulking success, defined <50% residual stenosis severity after OA; procedural success, defined as stent implantation according to Optimal-IVUS PCI criteria; use of additional calcium debulking strategies; and procedural complications, including coronary no-reflow, dissection, perforation or side branch occlusion. Patients were followed up for 30 days to assess early cardiovascular or procedure-related death, myocardial infarction, myocardial injury and reintervention. ResultsBetween January 2023 and September 2023, 37 patients and 53 coronary arteries underwent OA. IVUS imaging was used in all cases. Debulking and procedural success were achieved in 90.5% and 97.3% of cases, respectively. In 26 (49.1%) lesions, additional calcium debulking techniques were needed. Procedural complications occurred in three cases and one patient died during hospitalization. ConclusionOur initial experience with OA for heavily calcified coronary lesions demonstrated high procedural success and overall favorable clinical outcomes.

Utilizing orbital atherectomy for stent ablation following unsuccessful S-IVL of an underexpanded stent.

Utilizing orbital atherectomy for stent ablation following unsuccessful S-IVL of an underexpanded stent.

Coronary Neointimal Healing After Intravascular Lithotripsy Compared With Orbital Atherectomy Assessed by Serial Optical Coherence Tomography

Coronary Neointimal Healing After Intravascular Lithotripsy Compared With Orbital Atherectomy Assessed by Serial Optical Coherence Tomography