What is Peripheral Atherectomy?
An atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes plaque inside a blood vessel. A specialized catheter holds the surgical instrument and collects the plaque, safely carrying it out of the artery. Once the procedure is over, blood flow is restored. Peripheral atherectomies refer to procedures performed in the peripheral arteries of the legs and feet.
Although atherosclerosis is usually described as an accumulation of cholesterol, calcium is also part of the buildup, which is what causes the plaque to harden over time. When your atherosclerosis is too hard to be removed using other methods, the doctors at Complex Healthcare Solutions can perform a minimally invasive atherectomy to cut away the plaque buildup.
What conditions are treated with atherectomy?
The doctor performs an atherectomy to treat peripheral artery disease, which affects your legs.
Over time, calcium combines with the fatty buildup, hardening into plaque that blocks blood flow (a condition called atherosclerosis).
Atherosclerosis is often treated with angioplasty, using a balloon to open the blockage. Some patients, however, have plaque that is too hard to treat with just a balloon. When that happens, the doctor may recommend an atherectomy.
How is atherectomy performed?
An atherectomy is performed using a narrow catheter that contains a high-speed rotational, diamond-tipped burr or a specialized tool that shaves the plaque away and collects it. The doctor inserts the catheter into an artery, then threads it through the artery to the blockage.
Once it reaches the blockage, dye is injected through the catheter, allowing an X-ray to show the precise location and size of the blockage. Then the device is activated, and the plaque is removed. Following your atherectomy, a stent may be placed in the artery to hold it open.
It’s also possible to perform an extraction atherectomy using a laser rather than a rotational device. The procedure is the same, with the laser contained in a catheter and guided through the artery, vaporizing the plaque.
What should you expect after an atherectomy?
We provide specific self-care directions to follow, after your atherectomy.
You will also need to take medications to prevent blood clots for a prescribed length of time. The doctor may recommend other lifestyle changes or rehabilitation to restore optimal strength after your atherosclerosis is treated.
If you have questions about your vascular health or about atherectomy, call Complex Healthcare Solutions, or book an appointment online.
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What is Peripheral Atherectomy?
An atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes plaque inside a blood vessel. A specialized catheter holds the surgical instrument and collects the plaque, safely carrying it out of the artery. Once the procedure is over, blood flow is restored. Peripheral atherectomies refer to procedures performed in the peripheral arteries of the legs and feet.
Although atherosclerosis is usually described as an accumulation of cholesterol, calcium is also part of the buildup, which is what causes the plaque to harden over time. When your atherosclerosis is too hard to be removed using other methods, the doctors at Complex Healthcare Solutions can perform a minimally invasive atherectomy to cut away the plaque buildup.
The doctor performs an atherectomy to treat peripheral artery disease, which affects your legs.
Over time, calcium combines with the fatty buildup, hardening into plaque that blocks blood flow (a condition called atherosclerosis).
Atherosclerosis is often treated with angioplasty, using a balloon to open the blockage. Some patients, however, have plaque that is too hard to treat with just a balloon. When that happens, the doctor may recommend an atherectomy.
An atherectomy is performed using a narrow catheter that contains a high-speed rotational, diamond-tipped burr or a specialized tool that shaves the plaque away and collects it. The doctor inserts the catheter into an artery, then threads it through the artery to the blockage.
Once it reaches the blockage, dye is injected through the catheter, allowing an X-ray to show the precise location and size of the blockage. Then the device is activated, and the plaque is removed. Following your atherectomy, a stent may be placed in the artery to hold it open.
It’s also possible to perform an extraction atherectomy using a laser rather than a rotational device. The procedure is the same, with the laser contained in a catheter and guided through the artery, vaporizing the plaque.
We provide specific self-care directions to follow, after your atherectomy.
You will also need to take medications to prevent blood clots for a prescribed length of time. The doctor may recommend other lifestyle changes or rehabilitation to restore optimal strength after your atherosclerosis is treated.
If you have questions about your vascular health or about atherectomy, call Complex Healthcare Solutions, or book an appointment online.
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