Atherectomy

Atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove plaque buildup from arteries that are narrowed or blocked. It's often used as an alternative to angioplasty, particularly for treating peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Here's a breakdown of atherectomy:

Purpose:

• Clears blocked arteries by removing plaque buildup.
• Improves blood flow and relieves symptoms like leg pain and cramping caused by PAD.

Procedure:

• A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or arm.
• The catheter is threaded up to the blocked artery.
• Depending on the type of atherectomy, a special tool at the catheter tip is used to:
  • Scrape away the plaque buildup.
  • Dissolve the plaque with a laser.
  • Break up the plaque with a rotating device.
• The removed plaque particles are then flushed away through the bloodstream.

Recovery:

• Atherectomy is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
• Recovery time is usually short, with most people returning to normal activities within a few days.

Benefits:

• Can be more effective than angioplasty for some types of blockages.
• Less likely to require a stent placement compared to angioplasty.

Risks:

• As with any procedure, there are potential risks like bleeding, infection, and damage to the artery.
• Blood clots can also form during the procedure.

Who is it for?

• Atherectomy is typically recommended for people with PAD who have significant blockages that are not easily treated with angioplasty.

If you have any questions about atherectomy, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can discuss if this procedure is right for you based on your specific condition.