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Atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that treats severe atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in the arteries) in people with coronary heart disease or peripheral artery disease (PAD). It is an alternative therapy to angioplasty.
During an atherectomy, an interventional radiologist uses a catheter with a small, sharp tool at the end to remove plaque from a blocked artery, restoring blood flow. The interventional radiologist uses an angiogram to guide the catheter through the affected artery.
Your doctor may suggest an atherectomy if you have coronary heart disease or PAD and:
Atherectomy may take up to two hours to complete. The length of the procedure will depend on your specific condition.
You can expect the following on the day of your procedure:
Depending on your condition, you may go home the same day of the procedure or you may stay overnight in the hospital. Please arrange for someone to drive you to and from the procedure.
Upon your return home, be sure to follow all of your doctor’s orders for a proper recovery. You will likely need to avoid any strenuous activities for a few days after the procedure.
Your atherectomy care team may include specialists from these services: