An atherectomy is a procedure that utilizes a catheter with a sharp blade on the end to remove plaque from a blood vessel. The catheter is inserted into the artery through a small puncture in the artery, and it is performed under local anesthesia.

Is atherectomy a surgery?

Ather meaning fatty plaque. Ectomy meaning a surgical removal. This procedure removes fatty plaque from the arteries. This is a minimally-invasive vascular treatment that may be used for patients who are diagnosed with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

Is atherectomy painful?

The small incision for coronary atherectomy is not very painful, but as you regain your senses you will feel some tenderness in the area. If you have a groin incision, you will need to keep your leg straight for the first six hours of recovery.