While there are several medical interventions for managing blocked arteries, one specific procedure used for cleaning arteries, particularly peripheral ones, is called Atherectomy.
Atherectomy is a type of peripheral intervention designed specifically to open arteries that are blocked by plaque. This procedure is an alternative or complementary treatment to angioplasty and stenting.
How Atherectomy is Performed
During an atherectomy procedure, your medical provider utilizes a specialized tool delivered via a catheter:
- A catheter (a long, narrow tube) is guided through blood vessels to reach the site of the blockage.
- The catheter has a sharp blade, laser, or rotating device attached to its end.
- This device is used to scrape away, dissolve, or break up the plaque that is obstructing the artery.
- A key advantage is that this procedure is performed without making a large incision, typically requiring only a small puncture site for the catheter insertion.
By removing the plaque buildup, atherectomy helps to restore blood flow through the affected artery, addressing the blockage directly at the source. It's a minimally invasive approach compared to traditional open surgery.
