Atherectomy

Atherosclerosis can affect coronary arteries, carotid arteries and peripheral arteries. Depending on the location of the blockage, the following symptoms may be seen:-

• Coronary arteries- are those that provide blood to the heart. Symptoms like chest pain, weakness, coughing, dizziness, palpitations and anxiety can indicate a blockage in the coronary arteries.
• Carotid arteries- carotid arteries supply blood to the brain and a blockage can cause a stroke. Other symptoms may include headaches, facial numbness, troubles with speech, paralysis, loss of balance, problems with coordination, confusion and dizziness.
• Peripheral arteries- are arteries that supply blood to the limbs. Some of the symptoms include weakness and numbness in the legs, hair loss on legs, erectile dysfunction in men, slower hair and toenail growth on the legs and painful cramps.

1. Blood tests: A blood test is recommended to assess the overall health status of the patient and check for any underlying medical conditions.
2. Urine tests: Urine tests help in checking for any underlying urinary infections.
3. Imaging tests: Various imaging tests like CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasounds may be recommended to obtain clear images of the internal organs of the body.
4. Coronary angiogram: A contrast dye is injected into the arterial system and the coronary vessels, and then visualized on an x-ray for the determination of the location and extent of the blood vessel blockages. This test is usually performed in the case of suspected coronary artery disease (blockage of the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle).
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG): It is a test performed to record the electrical activity of the heart and detect any abnormalities in the heart.
6. Echocardiogram: High-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are used to obtain images of the heart. This helps the doctor in evaluating the pumping action of the heart.
7. Chest and lung x-ray: These can be done to assess the condition of the lungs and heart before the surgery.

1. The patient is shifted to the operation table after being wheeled into the operation theatre.
2. The procedure is normally performed under local anesthesia (the surgical area is numbed) and a mild sedative (a medication used to help you relax) may be administered intravenously (injected into the vein).
3. Medications are administered during the surgery for relaxing the blood vessels, controlling the blood pressure, and preventing the formation of clots.
4. A thin flexible tube, known as a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery present in the thigh region by making a small cut (incision) in that area. 
5. The catheter is then guided up using the various imaging-tests guidance.
6. A guidewire is used to guide the catheter with a rotating or sharp cutting tip across the block and maneuvered in a manner such that the plaque gets exposed to the cutter.
7. The tip is then activated and the plaque is removed.
8. It may be required to pass the catheter several times for the removal of large amounts of plaque.
9. The removal of plaque may be followed by balloon angioplasty and insertion of a stent.
10. In the case of balloon angioplasty, a catheter with a small balloon on its tip is used. The balloon is inflated at the site of blockage to compress or flatten the plaque against the wall of the artery.
11. A stent is a mesh-like, small device that is made of metal. It may be placed inside a coronary artery to act as a support and keep the blood vessel open, thus improving the blood flow to the heart muscle.
12. A dye contrast is then injected inside to check the latency of the arteries and whether the blood flow to the organ is restored.
13. After the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed and the wound covered with a dressing.
14. The procedure takes a couple of hours to complete.

The risks associated with the atherectomy procedure are:

• Tearing and injury of the blood vessel wall
• Bleeding around the heart
• Chest pain
• Heart attack
• Embolization (the dislodged clot travels along the blood vessel to block another blood vessel)
• Arrhythmias (disturbances in the rhythm of the heart)
• A complete blockage of the blood vessel that may require an emergency bypass
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia or contrast dye used during the procedure

1. Pressure is applied over the dressing for minimum of 20 minutes immediately after the procedure.
2. The patient is then shifted to the recovery room, where he/she will stay for a couple of hours. The patient’s blood pressure and ECG are monitored initially every 15 minutes.
3. Painkillers are given intravenously to relieve pain and discomfort.
4. The patient is instructed to press on the operative site with his fingers if the patient feels the need to sneeze or cough. 
5. The patient is advised to lie flat on his back and avoid bending the knees for approximately six hours after the procedure.
6. The patient needs to stay in the hospital for one or two days after the procedure until the patient is stable.
7. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure.
8. The medications that were taken previously and normal diet can be resumed when the doctor advices you for the same.
9. A follow-up visit to the doctor is recommended seven to ten days after discharge from the hospital.