Introduction
An atherectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances (plaque) from the inside of an artery. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A buildup of plaque in the arteries can block blood flow. In this procedure, plaque is removed from an artery using a device at the end of a thin, flexible tube (catheter). A narrow tube of wire mesh (stent) may be placed in the artery to keep it from getting blocked again.
You may have this procedure to remove plaque from the arteries of your heart (coronary arteries). You can also have this procedure to clear arteries in other parts of your body, such as the arteries that provide blood to your kidneys, legs, or brain.
Tell a health care provider about:
Any allergies you have.
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Your skin will be washed with soap.
An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm and heart activity.
You will be given one or more of the following:
A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
A medicine to numb the groin area (local anesthetic).
Your health care provider will make a small incision in your groin area and identify the needed artery.
A catheter will be put into the artery and guided to the location of the plaque. Your health care provider will use X-ray images to guide the catheter to the right spot.
Dye will be injected into the artery after the catheter is in the correct position.
Your health care provider will use an instrument that is inserted through the catheter to cut away pieces of plaque. The pieces will be stored in part of the catheter so they can be removed.
A stent may be put in place to keep your artery open.
The catheter will be removed.
The incision will be closed and covered with a certain type of bandage (pressure dressing).
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the