Rotablation Atherectomy Now Available at Lake Granbury Medical Center
2/2/2026
An Option for Treating Hardened Artery Blockages Close to Home
Lake Granbury Medical Center is now offering rotablation atherectomy, an advanced procedure that helps treat severely hardened coronary artery blockages that are difficult or sometimes impossible to open with standard techniques. This technology represents a major step forward for local heart care and gives Granbury residents access to treatment options previously available only in larger urban centers.
Rotablation uses a tiny, diamond coated, fast spinning tip to gently shave away calcified plaque inside the artery. It works much like smoothing a tough, cement like spot so that blood can flow more freely and a stent can be placed safely.
This procedure can be especially helpful for:
- Very calcified or rigid blockages
- Narrowings that do not respond to standard balloon angioplasty
- Cases where stent placement is not possible without plaque preparation
Key benefits can include:
- Opening arteries that are difficult to treat
- Making stent placement safer and more effective
- Short recovery times and minimal incisions
- Improved blood flow and reduced chest pain
“Rotablation gives us another important tool for treating complex coronary disease. It can allow us to safely open arteries that were previously very difficult to manage,” said Michael Ibe, M.D., interventional cardiologist.
“This technology means our patients no longer have to travel far for advanced heart care. We can treat more challenging blockages right here at home,” added Levi Rice, D.O., interventional cardiologist.
How These Blockages Form in the First Place
Plaque build up in the coronary arteries is a gradual process that develops over years. Cholesterol, calcium, inflammation and vessel wall damage all contribute to the formation of these deposits. Over time the plaque can become thick and hardened, eventually restricting blood flow to the heart muscle.
Several factors increase the risk of plaque buildup:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family history
- Obesity or sedentary lifestyle
- Chronic inflammation
As plaque ages, it can become so calcified and rigid that traditional angioplasty balloons simply cannot push it aside. These are the cases where rotablation becomes critical.
Preventive Cardiology: Protecting Heart Health Every Day
While advanced procedures are important, preventing heart disease remains the strongest line of defense. Lake Granbury Medical Center’s general cardiologists work closely with patients to address risk factors early and slow the progression of plaque.
Preventive services include:
- Cholesterol and blood pressure management
- Medication management
- Stress testing and heart imaging
- Rhythm evaluation
- Nutrition and lifestyle counseling
For many patients, regular cardiology visits can delay or even avoid the need for invasive procedures down the road.
Emergency Care When a Heart Attack Occurs
When a heart attack strikes, immediate treatment is vital. Interventional cardiologists at Lake Granbury Medical Center are trained to quickly restore blood flow using angioplasty and stent placement. Opening the blocked artery fast helps protect the heart muscle and saves lives.
In some emergencies the blockage is so calcified that a stent cannot be safely placed without first preparing the plaque. With rotablation now available, LGMC’s interventional team has more tools to handle these difficult cases right in the moment.
This capability can mean the difference between receiving life saving treatment locally or being transferred during a critical window of time.
A Stronger Future for Local Heart Care
With the addition of rotablation atherectomy, Lake Granbury Medical Center continues expanding its ability to care for patients with both routine and complex heart conditions. From prevention to emergency intervention to advanced plaque treatment, residents now have access to modern heart care without leaving the community.
Contact and Heart Health Resources
Residents who want to take a closer look at their heart health can take a quick online Heart Health Quiz at https://www.lakegranburymedicalcenter.com/cardiac-care.
To schedule an appointment with the cardiology department at Lakeside Physicians, call (817) 579-3970.
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