ABSTRACT

Lesions amenable to ablation Lesions amenable to ablation depend on the experience of the operator, the device used, the clinical circumstances and the lesion characteristics. Discrete proximal or mid-LAD restenotic lesions with mild angulation, in non-tortuous vessels >3.0 mm, should be ideal for the firsttime or inexperienced user. Longer calcified or ulcerative lesions in more distal regions of smaller vessels should be reserved for the more experienced interventionist. Atherectomy of long heavily calcified lesions (>15-20 mm) within moderately tortuous vessels with a diameter <2.5 mm with angulated take-off should be performed by interventionists with much experience in the field. Recommendations for DCA are shown in Table 16.1.