Atherectomy
Atherectomy is an advanced catheter-based procedure that removes hardened calcium deposits and plaque from narrowed arteries.
Why and when it is recommended
It is recommended when arteries are heavily calcified or too narrow for a balloon or stent to be effective alone, helping prepare the vessel for successful angioplasty.
How it differs from conventional angioplasty
Unlike standard balloon angioplasty, which compresses plaque against the artery wall, atherectomy physically removes the plaque, allowing better stent expansion in complex or heavily calcified blockages.
Life after the procedure
Recovery is similar to angioplasty, with most patients discharged within a day or two and advised to continue prescribed medications and follow-up imaging as needed.
