About Coronary Artery Disease

There are two main coronary arteries in your heart: the left coronary artery and the right coronary artery. These two arteries divide into additional branches, all of which supply your heart muscle with vital blood, oxygen and nutrients. When plaque builds up within the coronary arteries, it is called coronary artery disease (CAD).

 Plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, and calcium. Deposits of plaque narrow arteries and decrease blood flow to the heart which causes the heart to become weaker. Blood clots are also more likely to form as plaque continues to build up which can result in a partial or complete blockage and is a medical emergency. Partial blockages can significantly reduce the amount of oxygen that your heart receives. A complete artery blockage will prevent the surrounding heart tissue from receiving any blood flow and oxygen, and the heart tissue will die. When this happens, it is called a heart attack. Buildup of plaque within the coronary arteries can occur slowly over many years, so coronary artery disease may go unnoticed until a heart attack occurs.

Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease. In the United States, it is the leading cause of death of both men and women. Coronary artery disease can be prevented and treated through healthy lifestyle changes, medicines, and/or medical procedures such as an Interventional Cardiac Catheterization Procedure or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. (Source: Mayo Clinic, 2008)

Vascular Solutions offers a wide variety of niche products to be used in Interventional Cardiac Catheterization procedures when treating partial or complete blockages in the arteries.  The Pronto V3® and LP® extraction catheters aid in the removal of soft thrombus from the coronary arteries.  The TwinPass® dual lumen catheter aids in the delivery of necessary devices or therapies, such as wires or medications, for treating and opening blocked arteries.

CAUTION: Federal law (U.S.A.) restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Please see the appropriate product Instructions for Use for a complete listing of the indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions.