An atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the buildup of plaque from the arteries. The surgeons perform an atherectomy to restore healthy blood flow and relieve symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Patients experiencing CAD symptoms like angina (chest pain), shortness of breath, muscle pain and numbness in the lower limbs, etc. often benefit from an atherectomy procedure. Get in touch with us to consult with some of the best cardiologists for an effective atherectomy treatment.
The coronary arteries become stiff due to the build-up of plaque which can become stiff and narrow. This can increase the severity of the condition, so, the surgeon may choose different surgical methods to remove the stubborn plaque. Depending on the device used, atherectomy can be done in the following ways -
Atherectomy surgery often relieves patients from the symptoms of coronary artery diseases. Most patients who experience chronic chest pain, dizziness, etc. are at an increased risk of severe cardiac disorder. Therefore, it is advisable to get in touch with a cardiac specialist if your symptoms do not improve with OTC medications or get worse with time. Here are some signs that may call for immediate medical assistance -
Before the atherectomy procedure, the cardiologist reviews the medical report and recommends diagnostic tests to determine the cause and extent of the blockage. Subsequently, the doctor also provides a set of pre-surgery tips to help you prepare for the surgery and prevent any complications. Here are a few tips before the Atherectomy procedure to ensure a smooth surgery and a quick recovery-
The anesthesiologist sedates the patient with anaesthesia to help them relax throughout the procedure. The surgeon inserts a catheter into the artery via your groin, upper thigh area, arm, or wrist. The catheter is guided through the blood vessels via an x-ray imaging guide to examine the narrowed artery precisely.
A dye is injected through the catheter and into the coronary arteries to help the surgeon pinpoint the area of congestion. Subsequently, the plaque is removed with the tiny blades or lasers, attached to the end of the catheter. In some cases, the surgeon may also use a stent procedure or angioplasty after the atherectomy to ensure the arteries stay open. This can reduce the risk of recurrence in the future. Once the plaque is sliced, sanded, or burned away, the catheter is removed, and the incision is closed.
After the procedure, you will be shifted to the recovery room where the doctor will monitor your recovery. A medical team will keep a check on your vitals such as blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, etc., and watch for signs of infections. Subsequently, the doctor may prescribe blood thinners after the atherectomy procedure. It is crucial to follow the medication after the atherectomy procedure to prevent complications. Here are some recovery tips which can help you after the atherectomy surgery-
BM Birla Heart Research Centre is a super speciality hospital with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology in Kolkata. BM Birla Heart Research Centre is the only hospital offering super speciality cardiac care in the entire eastern India. With a 200+ bed capacity, cardiac rehabilitation services, cath labs and modular OTs, BM Birla Heart Research Centre has made a mark with its singular focus on the treatment of a variety of cardiac ailments. Here are a few advantages of choosing BM Birla Heart Research Centre for atherectomy treatment in Kolkata:
Get in touch with our expert heart specialists at BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata for complete cardiac care.
Plaque is the build-up of fat and cholesterol in the coronary arteries. Plaque build-up can obstruct the blood flow, sometimes to an extent that it can cause blood clots. The build-up of plaque leads to a medical condition called atherosclerosis.
Get in touch with a cardiac specialist if you are experiencing atherosclerosis symptoms. Cardiac specialists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart-related conditions. Since coronary artery disease is common in people above 60 years, consulting a cardiologist who specializes in treating patients with co-morbidities can ensure negligible chances of complications.
Doctors often prefer directional coronary atherectomy over angioplasty as it provides better clinical results in patients with coronary artery disease. Moreover, an atherectomy procedure can cut deep into the blood vessel to create a tear or hole to allow the surgeon to effectively CAD symptoms.
Atherectomy often relieves PAD symptoms without the need for major surgery. Benefits of atherectomy surgery include -
Depending on the medical health of the patient, the recovery time varies. But you can probably resume driving and other daily activities within a week after the procedure. However, consult with a cardiologist before engaging in other activities to avoid the risk of complications.
Though rare, atherectomy can result in the following complications -
This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have a higher risk or are too sick, or too old for open heart surgery. It was first tested in 2002 on patients with severe aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve opening), who were considered unfit for open heart surgery.
Heart failure is a serious condition marked by the inefficiency of the heart muscles to pump blood to different parts of the body. Also referred to as congestive heart failure, the condition can prove to be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. Such patients are often recommended to undergo a heart transplant, a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of a diseased or non-functional part of the patient’s heart with a healthy heart taken from a deceased donor.
Over the past few decades, various innovations and advancements in the field of cardiology have helped us to learn more and more about the human heart, its functioning, and the diseases that affect it.