Introduction

Atherectomy surgery is an minimally-invasive procedure that is used to treat blocked or narrowed blood vessels, usually caused by a condition referred to as atherosclerosis. The condition is caused as plaque (a mixture of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and various other substances) forms inside arteries, which restricts blood flow. The procedure is particularly beneficial in cases where plaque has become hard, calcified, and cannot be treated easily with conventional angioplasty.

This blog will look at what an atherectomy is and why it’s performed as well as the various types of this procedure and the recovery process as well as the risk factors and moreall in a user-friendly and simple-to-understand style.

What is Atherectomy?

Atherectomy is an surgical procedure that uses a catheter intended to remove or cut off plaque from the walls of an artery. It is typically carried out by catheters in the peripheral veins–like ones in the legs, but is also used for coronary veins (the ones which provide your heart).

The aim is to bring back proper circulation of blood and alleviate symptoms like discomfort, numbness and poor circulation. This will also lower the chance of complications such as injuries to the tissues, ulcers or even loss of limbs.

Contrary to angioplasty which pushes the plaque into the wall of an artery atherectomy physically takes away this plaque out of the patient.

What is the reason Atherectomy Required?

Doctors might suggest an atherectomy if you are:

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) :- Reduced blood flow to the legs, which causes pain when walking (claudication) as well as numbness or ulcers.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) :- Heart arteries with a narrowed appearance that cannot be opened by traditional angioplasty because of the tough or plaque that has been calcified.
A densely calcified plaque :- where traditional balloon angioplasty or stenting are not efficient or has a greater risk of damage to the artery.
Retinosis :- The artery that was re-narrowed previously treated.

It is also helpful in getting the artery ready for stenting, by creating space to allow the stent to be properly placed.

Different types of atherectomy

There are various types of techniques for atherectomy that employ different instruments:

1. Direct Atherectomy :- A small blade rotating in a circular motion cuts away plaques in a particular direction. The plaque is sucked up into an internal chamber of the catheter.

2. The Rotation Atherectomy :- It uses a small, rotary device (like the drill) to break down plaque into tiny particles that are flushed away from the artery.

3. Orbital Atherectomy :- A diamond-coated crown turns inside the artery, smoothing away plaque and ensuring blood flow throughout the procedure.

4. Laser Atherectomy :- It emits pulses of ultraviolet laser energy to melt plaque in the artery, without physically touching the artery.

The choice is contingent on the place, the kind of plaque the plaque is placed in, as well as the the patient’s health status.

How do you prepare for Atherectomy Surgery

Before performing the procedure:

You may be subject to imaging tests like the ultrasound, CT angiography as well as an the angiogram to find obstructions.
Your doctor might instruct you to cut off bleeding thinners or other medications prior to surgery.
You will be instructed to avoid eating or drinking (no drinking or eating) for a couple of hours prior to the procedure.
Tests for blood will be conducted to determine if you’re fit to undergo the procedure.

The Atherectomy Procedure Step-by-Step

1. Local anesthesia :- You’ll stay awake, however the medication that numbs you is placed on the site of access (usually the wrist or groin).

2. Catheter Insertion :- A thin tube (catheter) is introduced into blood vessels and then guided towards the artery that is blocked using imaging.

3. Device activation :- When the device is placed installed the device for atherectomy (blade or crown, drill or laser) is activated to take out the plaque.

4. Removes Plaque :- This plaque is discarded inside the catheter or broken into small pieces that are able to safely travel across the bloodstream.

5. Stenting or ballooning (If Required) :- In certain instances the insertion of a stent to ensure that the artery remains open or a balloon can be utilized to expand the artery.

6. Close :- This catheter must be removed and the puncture area is closed with the closure device.

Recovery Following Atherectomy

Recovery can be quick as the procedure is minimally insidious.

At the hospital

You’ll be monitored for a few hours.
The majority of patients return home on the same the next day, or in less than 24 hours.
It is necessary to lay flat for several hours when the groin is utilized.

At home: