Rotoblator treatment for unblocking lad artery

[mjadkinson]

After an out of the blue heart attack 5 months ago and a stent being fitted I am now due back in hospital to have my heavily calcified LAD artery drilled out by a rotablator procedure and then having a stent fitted. This is all new to me - anybody had this treatment done who could fill me in on what to expect. Many Thanks Mike

[shopman]

Have a read:

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I suppose you could think along the same lines as going to the dentist only it's within your arteries. I'd say go for it if you get the chance may save you having to have a bypass at some stage.

[mjadkinson in reply to shopman]

Thanks for your reply I will have a read up on that reference over the weekend - Mike

[Chappychap]

It's a well established procedure. But like all these procedures it won't actually fix your underlying heart disease. All it can do is buy you time for medication and life style changes to do the serious work of keeping you fit and healthy into the future.

So, go with the recommended treatment, but remember that your future health is largely is your own hands, so stick with the medication and make all appropriate life style changes.

Good luck!

[mjadkinson in reply to Chappychap]

Hi Thanks for your reply yes - it buys me some time then up to me to get my act together - Mike

[shopman]

There is loads of info on the prcedures just make sure you follow proper medical sites and not Dr Google or the Acme guide to self instructed Heart Procedures. When I first looked this up the best places were from German hospitals. Now I see they are all over the place, like a lot make sure you spell it correctly - Rotablation or Rotablator Atherectomy.

[Heather1957]

I am going to be honest in that I had 2 stents fitted by Rotablation last October, I think I am quite 'strong' but I found it 'difficult'. Now don't worry too much because other forum members had no problem with it so it obviously varies.

I was not expecting it as I was sent from my local hospital as I had unstable angina (I previously had a bypass in 2017) to another hospital where they could insert stents at the same time as doing an angiogram. When they did the angiogram they were surprised to find that I needed 2 stents fitted and they would have to drill as the artery was so calcified. I was in the catheter lab and they explained it to me so did it then and there.

I had loads of sedation via the cannula in the back of my hand and they kept pumping me with fentanyl to keep me calm (I know I am sounding like a wimp)

Long story short I stayed at that hospital overnight and after 24 hrs observation was discharged. I felt a bit battered afterwards but it was a good recovery and it doesn't take long to forget the way I was feeling and being so grateful we live in a Country where they can do this life saving treatment with minimum procedure!

Remember many people feel nothing (you will hear the drilling) so mine was an unusual experience and if I had to do it again of course I would without hesitation.

Do not be afraid to say you need a sedative anything that helps.

Any questions ask away.

[mjadkinson in reply to Heather1957]

Hi, Thanks for your reply - sorry you had a rough time with this procedure - Best Wishes Mike

[Dralex]

Hi Mike, I'm another who had successful rotablation just over two years ago. My coronary arteries were so badly calcified it was impossible to even insert a balloon to enable stenting. Mine was quite a lengthy procedure (3.5 hours +), and was I awake the whole time. It certainly is a rather weird experience feeling the drill inside your chest (apparently it is an acorn shaped bit spinning on a catheter), but as others will confirm, at the slightest hint of any discomfort morphine is introduced. Following the rotablation, 5 stents were inserted, and I was allowed home the next day. For me this choice of treatment versus a bypass was a no brainer, and provided your cardiologist considers you are a suitable candidate, I have no hesitation in recommending it.

[mjadkinson]

Thanks that really is a great reply I just needed someone who had gone through this procedure to let me know what to expect. I am ready now for next monday. Thanks again - Mike