WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Atherectomy

Atherectomy is a procedure done to open a partially blocked blood vessel to the heart so that blood can flow through it more easily. The procedure removes fat and calcium buildup (atherosclerosis) in the heart arteries.

During an atherectomy, a thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through an artery in the groin or arm and carefully guided into the coronary artery that is narrowed. Once the tube reaches the narrowed portion of the artery, a cutting device, a whirling blade (such as a rotoblade), or a laser beam is used to remove the fat and calcium buildup from the artery wall.

Author Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC
- Interventional Cardiology
Last Updated September 13, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 13, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.