Atherectomy refers to a surgical technique that is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis of the artery. Atherosclerosis is a condition of the arteries wherein the walls of an artery thicken and narrow due to accumulation of white blood cells resulting in a plaque build-up. Atherectomy is done by inserting a specialized catheter with a sharp blade in the blocked artery which removes the plaque build up from the blood vessels and also collects it. It can be used in the treatment of coronary heart disease or peripheral heart disease, as an alternative to, or as a complement to angioplasty.
Atherosclerosis can affect coronary arteries, carotid arteries and peripheral arteries. Depending on the location of the blockage, the following symptoms may be seen:-
Atherosclerosis can be diagnosed with the help of the following tests:-
The skin of the patient is numbed from where the catheter is supposed to be introduced. The catheter may be inserted through the arm or the groin depending upon the location of the artery that is blocked. A dye or contrast material may be injected into the artery and the blockage is determined with the help of X-rays. The catheter may have a cutting device, a grinding device or a laser filament which is used to remove the plaque. The plaque is then collected or suctioned out through the catheter. The doctor may also insert a stent once the artery is opened up to keep it open and the catheter is then removed.
An atherectomy may have the following complications:
The patient may be required to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. They can resume normal activities in a couple days once home. The procedure may have to be repeated if the blockage reoccurs, which would be 3-6 months after the procedure. The patient can take care of himself by refraining from activities like smoking and following a healthy diet and exercise plan.
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Atherectomy refers to a surgical technique that is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis of the artery. Atherosclerosis is a condition of the arteries wherein the walls of an artery thicken and narrow due to accumulation of white blood cells resulting in a plaque build-up. Atherectomy is done by inserting a specialized catheter with a sharp blade in the blocked artery which removes the plaque build up from the blood vessels and also collects it. It can be used in the treatment of coronary heart disease or peripheral heart disease, as an alternative to, or as a complement to angioplasty.
Atherosclerosis can affect coronary arteries, carotid arteries and peripheral arteries. Depending on the location of the blockage, the following symptoms may be seen:-
Atherosclerosis can be diagnosed with the help of the following tests:-
The skin of the patient is numbed from where the catheter is supposed to be introduced. The catheter may be inserted through the arm or the groin depending upon the location of the artery that is blocked. A dye or contrast material may be injected into the artery and the blockage is determined with the help of X-rays. The catheter may have a cutting device, a grinding device or a laser filament which is used to remove the plaque. The plaque is then collected or suctioned out through the catheter. The doctor may also insert a stent once the artery is opened up to keep it open and the catheter is then removed.
An atherectomy may have the following complications:
The patient may be required to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. They can resume normal activities in a couple days once home. The procedure may have to be repeated if the blockage reoccurs, which would be 3-6 months after the procedure. The patient can take care of himself by refraining from activities like smoking and following a healthy diet and exercise plan.