Atherectomy

In some cases, plaque is removed during angioplasty. In a procedure called atherectomy, a catheter with a rotating shaver on its tip is inserted into the artery to cut away plaque. Lasers also are used to dissolve or break up the plaque. These procedures are now rarely done because angioplasty gives better results for most patients

Cutting away the plaque opens the artery and allows the blood to flow more freely, which can reduce your:

• Risk of heart attack-in the coronary arteries
• Level of pain in your legs or arms- in the peripheral arteries

How is the procedure done?

An atherectomy begins with a catheterization. During the catheterization, a small, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in your groin or arm. Your doctor gently steers toward your blocked vessel. Dye put in through the catheter allows your blood vessels to show up as images on a monitor. (This part of the procedure is called an angiogram. The catheterization and angiogram are typically part of the atherectomy.

Once there is a clear image of the blockage, your doctor begins the atherectomy. The cardiologist uses a special catheter with a tiny cutting tool on the end. The tool scrapes away the plaque on the inside of the artery. The tool is specially designed to cut only the plaque and not to damage the blood vessel in any way. Without the plaque blocking the vessel, blood can flow more freely.

After the atherectomy, your doctor may use another catheter to implant a stent. A stent is a tiny mesh tube that holds your artery open. The stent may help prevent your artery from becoming blocked again