Treating Peripheral Artery Disease with Atherectomy Procedure

What is Atherectomy?

Atherectomy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to remove plaque buildup from the walls of arteries. Plaque, made up of fatty deposits, calcium, and other substances, can narrow or block arteries, reducing blood flow and leading to conditions like PAD and coronary artery disease.

During an atherectomy, a specialized catheter is inserted into the artery to shave, grind, or vaporize the plaque, restoring proper blood flow.

Atherectomy is often used when the plaque is particularly hard or when the artery is in a location that makes other treatments, like angioplasty or stenting, less effective.

This procedure helps to alleviate symptoms such as pain and discomfort and reduces the risk of severe complications like limb amputation.

Types of Atherectomy

Several types of atherectomy utilize different technologies and techniques to address specific plaque and artery conditions. The four most common types include:

1. Excisional Atherectomy involves using a catheter with a small cutting blade to shave off and remove plaque from the artery walls. The plaque is collected in a chamber within the catheter and then safely removed from the body.
2. Rotational Atherectomy uses a high-speed rotating device with a diamond-coated tip to grind away hard, calcified plaque in the artery, breaking it into tiny particles small enough to be absorbed by the bloodstream.
3. Orbital Atherectomy uses a crown-shaped device that spins in an orbital motion to sand away plaque, creating a smooth and open channel in the artery. It is effective for treating both calcified and softer plaques in challenging areas.
4. Laser Ablation Atherectomy utilizes high-energy laser light to vaporize plaque in the arteries. The laser emits precise pulses that break down the plaque into microscopic particles, which are then absorbed by the body.

Each type of atherectomy is selected based on the specific characteristics of the plaque and the artery being treated. Your vascular specialist will determine the most appropriate type of atherectomy for your condition, ensuring the most effective and safe treatment for restoring proper blood flow.

Coronary Artery Atherectomy vs. PAD Atherectomy

Coronary artery and PAD atherectomy are minimally invasive procedures used to remove plaque buildup from arteries, but they target different areas of the vascular system.

Coronary artery atherectomy is performed on the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. It treats conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) to prevent heart attacks and alleviate chest pain. Due to the small, intricate nature of coronary arteries, this procedure requires precise techniques.

In contrast, PAD atherectomy focuses on the peripheral arteries, particularly in the legs, to treat peripheral artery disease. This procedure helps restore blood flow and reduce symptoms like leg pain and cramping, preventing severe complications such as ulcers or limb amputation.

While both procedures aim to improve circulation, coronary artery atherectomy deals with heart-related issues, and PAD atherectomy addresses circulation problems in the limbs.

Atherectomy vs. Angioplasty

Atherectomy and angioplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries but differ in their approaches.

Atherectomy involves directly removing plaque buildup from the artery walls using specialized tools, such as rotating blades or lasers. It is particularly effective for hard or calcified plaques that are difficult to manage with other techniques.

Angioplasty, in contrast, works by widening the narrowed artery through the inflation of a small balloon at the blockage site, which compresses the plaque against the artery walls. Often, a stent is placed during angioplasty to keep the artery open and prevent re-narrowing. While atherectomy physically removes the plaque, angioplasty focuses on expanding the artery to restore blood flow.

The choice between these procedures depends on the specific characteristics of the blockage. Atherectomy is preferred for more complex cases, while angioplasty is widely used for a wide range of arterial issues.

Expert Atherectomy Treatment for PAD in Texas

At Texas Endovascular, we are proud to offer state-of-the-art technology paired with a compassionate, patient-first approach to care for our communities in Dallas, Houston, and beyond.

Our vascular specialists are highly trained in treating PAD using minimally invasive techniques, such as atherectomy. We focus on providing individualized care that meets each patient’s needs and strive for the best possible outcomes.

If you or someone you love is experiencing the effects of PAD, it's essential to act quickly—early treatment can prevent serious health issues. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how atherectomy can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.