What is Atherectomy?

Peripheral artery disease is caused by plaque formation in the arteries, which narrows them and interrupts blood flow (PAD). This buildup of plaque is known as atherosclerosis. During an atherectomy, doctors use a catheter with a laser or sharp blade on the end to remove plaque. The laser or sharp blade can slice or scrape away the hard plaque. Furthermore, your provider might do stent insertion or angioplasty (ballooning).

For whom is an atherectomy necessary?

Atherosclerotic patients may require an atherectomy. If your plaque has become hardened, your physician might suggest this surgery. Or it might be a therapy for patients who still have plaque obstructing blood flow after undergoing angioplasty and stenting. Your physician might advise atherectomy as a first step to break up extremely hard plaque, followed by angioplasty and stenting.

What kind of atherectomy?

Every atherectomy involves the removal of plaque buildup in the arteries. Medical practitioners may use lasers or other types of blades to remove plaque:

Excisional atherectomy: Plaque is removed with a single blade cut.
Plaque is removed by a laser during atherectomy by laser ablation.
Orbital atherectomy: A revolving tool, akin to sandpaper, is used to remove plaque.
Rotational atherectomy: Small blades move in a circular motion to cut plaque.

What takes place before Atherectomy?

Your healthcare provider may recommend tests to look for blockages or constriction in the arteries. Perhaps you possess:

Intravascular imaging.

Follow your doctor's instructions to prepare for the procedure, paying close attention to whether you should:

Obtain a meal or beverage.
Take medication (especially anticoagulants).

Your provider will let you know when to arrive on the day of the treatment. As you get there, you change into a hospital gown. An anesthesiologist will insert a catheter to provide anesthesia during your atherectomy, so it won't hurt.

What information is contained in an atherectomy procedure?

After the injection of local anesthetic and mild sedation, your healthcare provider:

The catheter is inserted into your artery.
The catheter is moved along your artery to reach the spot that is obstructed or narrowed.
Use the laser or blade at the catheter's tip to cut or scrape the plaque in order to remove it.
Until enough plaque is removed to allow blood to flow through your artery, your healthcare professional may repeat the procedure multiple times.

What are the details of an atherectomy procedure?

To stop bleeding after an atherectomy, you must remain still for up to six hours. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse will be monitored by medical professionals as you heal.

How does an atherectomy benefit a patient?

Atherectomy frequently reduces PAD symptoms without requiring extensive surgery. A surgery known as atherectomy is less invasive. Your artery is reached by a single, tiny puncture made by medical professionals. Performing the surgery normally takes two hours.

Does atherectomy come with any hazards or side effects?

Occasionally, when medical professionals trim or scrape away plaque, a piece of plaque may break off and become caught in a smaller downstream blood vessel. Additionally, a blood artery rip or hole may result when an atherectomy is performed too deeply.

What are the benefits and risks of atherectomy?

After surgical atherectomy, the majority of patients report instantaneous improvements in blood flow and symptoms like shortness of breath, leg discomfort, chest pain, and leg swelling. Many patients experience less discomfort, blood loss, and complications because the surgery is minimally invasive and doesn't require a major incision. Compared to open surgical treatments, atherectomy usually results in a quicker recovery and a shorter hospital stay.

Usually, an atherectomy is a low-risk procedure. Rarely do complications arise from procedures, particularly when carried out by skilled healthcare professionals. It happens infrequently for a tiny fragment of plaque to break off and move to another blood artery. Additional dangers associated with an atherectomy may be:

Irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias
Sickened
Damage to blood vessels
Infection related to heart attacks

What is the duration of recovery following an atherectomy?

An atherectomy is often performed as an outpatient treatment, so you can return home the same day. You might stay in the hospital for a day. Depending on your circumstances, your healthcare practitioner informs you of what to anticipate. After their operation, most people can return to their regular routines within a few days. Ask your healthcare professional when you can resume your normal routine because every person's circumstances are unique.

When after an atherectomy should I call my healthcare provider?

Inform your physician of any fresh or deteriorating symptoms, particularly:

Painful spots on your leg or groin.
Edema, or swelling.
Warmth or redness.
The affected leg feels numb or cold.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Atherectomy?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced cardiologists & cardiac surgeons in Lucknow, India. We provide advanced cardiac care with modern catheter lab facilities and a caring medical team. Our focus on patients ensures safety, precision, and faster recovery. This makes us one of the best Atherectomy (Rotational & Orbital) hospitals in Lucknow, India.