An atherectomy is a procedure that removes a buildup of fatty deposits from the arteries. An atherectomy can help allow blood to flow to the heart more easily.
A person may require a heart procedure to correct a heart condition, or in an emergency, such as a heart attack. Several types of heart procedures range from minimally invasive to open heart surgery.
An atherectomy is a minimally invasive heart procedure a person may require if they have a buildup of fatty deposits in their arteries. An atherectomy can remove this plaque buildup and restore correct blood flow to the heart.
An atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure. A doctor may use an atherectomy to remove a buildup of fatty deposits known as plaque in the coronary or peripheral arteries. The coronary arteries transport blood from the heart to the heart muscle. The peripheral arteries transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body, such as the abdomen, arms, and legs.
A buildup of plaque can narrow or block the coronary or peripheral arteries. This can reduce the blood supply to the heart and the rest of the body. This can lead to symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and pain in the lower limbs.
The medical term for a buildup of plaque in the arteries is atherosclerosis.
To perform an atherectomy, a doctor will insert a catheter into the artery and then use special tools to remove the atherosclerosis.
Before an atherectomy procedure for the heart, a person may require several tests, so a doctor can fully assess the amount and location of the plaque. Some of these tests
- an electrocardiogram, which assesses how the heart is beating
- an echocardiogram, which is a type of ultrasound scan to look inside the heart
- a heart stress test, which assesses heart function while a person is exercising
- an angiogram, which is a type of X-ray to examine the blood vessels in the heart
A doctor may advise a person to refrain from consuming food, liquid, or taking certain medications for several hours before the atherectomy procedure. Some people may need to take blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, to avoid blot clots.
To begin the atherectomy procedure, a doctor may give a person local anesthetic, which will numb the area, and sedation medication to help them relax.
A doctor will then make a small incision into the artery in the groin or wrist and insert a catheter. The doctor will move the catheter to the narrowed or blocked part of the artery, using a wire as a guide.
If the doctor determines an atherectomy is necessary, they will use one of the removal tools to cut away or destroy the plaque. Any pieces of plaque will collect inside an additional tube, so the doctor can remove them safely.
The doctor may have to repeat the cutting, sanding, or laser procedure several times to remove all of the plaque.
At the end of the procedure, the doctor will remove the catheter and other equipment, stitch the incision site, and apply a dressing.
A doctor may recommend an atherectomy if a person has a heart condition, such as coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
CAD defines atherosclerosis in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The
PAD defines atherosclerosis in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lower limbs. The
A doctor may use an atherectomy before or after performing an angioplasty. An angioplasty uses a small balloon to widen the arteries. A doctor may want to remove excess plaque before an angioplasty to create space.
Typically, there are four main types of heart atherectomy a doctor may perform. Each type of atherectomy uses a different tool to remove the plaque.
- An orbital atherectomy uses a spinning tool that gradually rubs the plaque away using a sanding motion.
- Laser ablation atherectomy uses a laser tool that emits high energy light onto the plaque to destroy it.
- Rotational atherectomy involves tiny, rotating blades that cut the plaque away.
- Intravascular lithotripsy uses ultrasound shockwaves to break up plaque.
Atherectomy for the heart can remove plaque buildup without major surgery. A 2022 study suggests that the success rate for an atherectomy removing plaque from the arteries is
As such, doctors do not routinely recommend an atherectomy for coronary lesions but may use them in certain circumstances,
The complication rate following an atherectomy
However, several complications can occur following an atherectomy, including:
- a heart attack, which can occur in approximately 1.3% of people
- a tear or hole in the wall of a coronary artery
- a slowing of blood flow to the heart
- the artery closing up completely
Atherectomy and angioplasty are both surgical heart procedures that can unblock or widen narrow arteries that have atherosclerosis. Both procedures use a catheter tube to guide the surgical instruments into the artery.
An atherectomy aims to unblock or widen the artery using various tools to remove the plaque.
An angioplasty involves a small balloon that a surgeon passes into the artery with an area of atherosclerosis. The surgeon then inflates the balloon, which squashes the plaque into the walls of the artery.
An atherectomy heart procedure is a surgical technique that uses various tools to remove a buildup of plaque from the coronary or peripheral arteries.
The medical term for this buildup of plaque is atherosclerosis. It can occur when a person has coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and pain in the lower limbs.
An atherectomy heart procedure involves a catheter tube that a surgeon inserts into a coronary or peripheral artery. Special tools then pass through the catheter into the artery and cut, sand, or laser the plaque to remove it.
The risk of atherectomy complications is typically low. However, complications can occur and may include a heart attack, a tear or hole in the artery wall, and complete closure of the artery.