Techniques in cardiac care: lasers, stents, and atherectomy devices

Various new technologies are currently being investigated to treat cardiovascular disease less invasively than with conventional open heart surgery. Although lasers have been used in other health disciplines, their use in the cardiovascular field is relatively new. Even newer is the use of atherectomy devices and endovascular stents. It is important for the critical care nurse to be knowledgeable concerning these techniques in order to provide optimal patient care.