How Long Does It Take to Recover from an Atherectomy Procedure?

An atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove plaque buildup in the arteries, improve blood flow, and treat peripheral artery disease (PAD). During the procedure, a catheter with a specialized cutting device or laser at the tip is used to remove the plaque. While recovery time varies from person to person, understanding the general recovery timeline can help patients know what to expect during their recovery. 

Atherectomy Recovery Timeline

Atherectomy is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home the same day without the need for an overnight stay. This typically leads to a faster recovery and minimal disruption to daily routines. Below is an overview of what to expect throughout your recovery, from the immediate post-procedure phase to long-term healing.

Immediate Recovery (First 24-48 Hours)

The first 24 to 48 hours after an atherectomy procedure are crucial for ensuring the initial healing and monitoring for any potential complications. Although the procedure is minimally invasive, the body still requires careful observation and some time to adjust. Here’s what you can expect during this immediate recovery phase:

1. Post-Procedure Monitoring: Immediately after the procedure, you will be transferred to a recovery area where medical staff will carefully monitor you. During this period, the healthcare team will observe vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to ensure stability. They will also keep an eye on the insertion site for any signs of bleeding or swelling. 
2. Pain and Discomfort Management: It’s normal to experience some soreness or discomfort at the catheter insertion site, especially as the local anesthesia wears off. This may feel like mild to moderate aching, tenderness, or a feeling of pressure in the area. Pain management is a priority during this phase, and the medical team will provide you with medication to ease any discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are typically recommended, but your doctor may prescribe something stronger if necessary.
3. Rest: After an atherectomy, rest is key. Although you won’t need to stay overnight in the hospital, you will need time to allow your body to adjust and recover. Most patients can get up and walk short distances within a few hours of the procedure. However, you should rest as much as possible during the first 24 hours. Elevating the affected leg can help reduce swelling and improve comfort.
4. Initial Walking and Mobility: In most cases, you’ll be encouraged to get out of bed and start walking short distances within the first few hours of your recovery. These initial walks help stimulate circulation and prevent blood clots from forming, but they should be limited to brief, easy steps. Don’t push yourself too hard—just enough movement to get your circulation going. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how much movement is appropriate for you in the first 24 hours.
5. Medications and Follow-Up Care: In the first 24-48 hours, you will likely be prescribed medications to help manage pain and prevent blood clots. These could include:
   1. Blood thinners to help reduce the risk of clot formation in the treated artery.
   2. Pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
   3. Antibiotics (if necessary) to prevent infection at the insertion site.
6. Preparing for Discharge: Within the first 24 to 48 hours, you’ll be ready for discharge if there are no complications. Before leaving the outpatient center, the healthcare team will provide detailed instructions on continuing your recovery at home, including guidelines for managing pain, caring for the insertion site, and when to schedule follow-up appointments.

Short-Term Recovery (1-2 Weeks)

The short-term recovery period following an atherectomy procedure typically lasts one to two weeks and is an essential phase for the body to begin healing and adjusting. During this time, patients can expect to gradually resume daily activities while still taking care to avoid overexertion. Here’s a more in-depth look at what to expect and how to navigate the recovery process effectively:

1. Managing Discomfort and Pain
   Some mild soreness or discomfort around the puncture site is common in the days following the procedure. You may also experience some bruising or swelling, which is a normal part of the healing process. This discomfort should gradually lessen over the first few days. Pain management is an important part of short-term recovery. Your doctor may continue to prescribe medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate any pain.
   Signs to Watch For:
   • Increased swelling or redness at the puncture site.
   • Persistent or severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication.
   • A change in skin color or temperature around the treatment area. These signs could indicate a potential complication and should be reported to your doctor immediately.
2. Activity and Mobility
   In the first few days, your primary focus should be on resting and allowing your body to recover. However, while you should avoid strenuous activity, gentle movement is encouraged. This is to ensure that circulation continues to flow properly through your arteries, especially in the area treated by the atherectomy. Here are some tips to help during this time:
   • Take Short Walks: Early movement is key to improving circulation. Aim for light walks that are only 5-10 minutes long, and gradually increase the time as you feel more comfortable. Walking helps prevent blood clots and reduces the risk of complications.
   • Avoid Strenuous Activities: Although it may feel tempting to resume normal activities, avoid any heavy lifting, running, or high-impact exercises during the first couple of weeks. These activities can strain the healing area and cause discomfort or delays in your recovery.
   • Elevate Your Leg: Elevating your leg when resting after the atherectomy can help reduce swelling and promote better circulation. Use pillows or cushions to support your leg in a comfortable position.
3. Wound Care and Monitoring
   After the procedure, you will need to care for the catheter insertion site to ensure proper healing and avoid infection. You will receive specific instructions on how to take care of the site, but here are some general guidelines:
   • Keep the Site Clean and Dry: Follow your doctor’s instructions to clean the area. Usually, you will be advised to avoid putting the site in water, such as in baths or swimming pools, until it fully heals.
   • Monitor for Infection: While some swelling and bruising is normal, any increase in swelling, redness, or discharge from the puncture site could indicate infection. If you notice these signs, reach out to your doctor.
   • Avoid Tight Clothing: For the first few days, avoid wearing tight clothing or anything that might rub against the puncture site. Loose, comfortable clothing is ideal.
4. Rest and Recovery
   Although you may feel well enough to resume normal activities, it’s essential to listen to your body and continue to rest when needed. Taking time off from work and avoiding unnecessary physical exertion will allow your body to focus on healing. You may also want to adjust your sleep position to make sure you’re comfortable and to reduce pressure on the puncture site.
5. Diet and Hydration
   Staying hydrated and following a healthy diet will help with your recovery process. Although you might not feel very hungry right after the procedure, it’s important to eat small, nutritious meals to support your body’s healing process. Focus on easy-to-digest foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. 
6. Follow-Up Appointments and Monitoring
   One of the most important aspects of short-term recovery is attending any follow-up appointments with your doctor. These appointments are designed to monitor your progress and ensure there are no complications. Your doctor will assess the condition of your arteries, evaluate how well the procedure worked, and check that the treated area is healing properly. During these visits, they may perform tests or imaging to monitor blood flow and determine if further treatment is needed.

Resuming Normal Activities During Short-Term Recovery

By the end of the first two weeks, many patients will feel comfortable resuming non-strenuous activities. However, it’s essential to proceed cautiously:

• Work: If your job is sedentary or doesn’t require physical exertion, you may return to work within a few days. You may need to take additional time off for more physically demanding jobs. Always check with your doctor before returning to work.
• Driving: Avoid driving for at least 24-48 hours after the procedure, especially if you’ve been prescribed medication that could affect your ability to concentrate or respond quickly.
• Household Chores: You can resume light tasks around the house, but avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in activities that require prolonged physical exertion, like vacuuming or moving furniture.

Long-Term Recovery (1-3 Months and Beyond)

Long-term recovery after an atherectomy procedure focuses on maintaining the health of your arteries and preventing future blockages. The goal of long-term recovery after an atherectomy is to heal the arteries and take proactive steps to avoid future problems. This means making lifestyle changes that support vascular health. Patients who stick to a heart-healthy lifestyle—avoiding smoking, eating nutritious foods, staying physically active, and controlling chronic conditions—tend to experience better long-term outcomes and a lower risk of complications.

1. Follow-Up Appointments and Monitoring
   Your doctor will likely continue to schedule follow-up visits at 1 month, 3 months, and possibly 6 months after the procedure. During these visits, your doctor may perform imaging tests, such as ultrasound or angiography, to assess blood flow, ensure the artery remains clear, and detect any early signs of restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery).
2. Improving Diet and Exercise
   After an atherectomy, it’s important to make lifestyle changes that help maintain the health of your arteries and prevent further plaque buildup. Following your doctor’s advice and adopting healthier habits can significantly impact your long-term recovery. Some recommendations may include:
   1. Dietary Adjustments: A heart-healthy diet plays a significant role in long-term artery health. Focus on eating:
      1. Low-sodium, low-fat foods: Reduce your intake of sodium, saturated fats, and cholesterol to help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
      2. Fruits and vegetables: These are high in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients that support overall cardiovascular health.
      3. Lean proteins: Choose lean sources of protein, such as fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins, to help maintain a healthy weight and promote healing.
      4. Whole grains and healthy fats: Foods like oatmeal, quinoa, nuts, and olive oil can support heart health and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
   2. Exercise: Regular exercise helps improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and strengthen the cardiovascular system. Aim to:
      1. Engage in moderate-intensity activities, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 2.5 hours per week.
      2. Incorporate flexibility exercises such as yoga or stretching to improve blood flow and muscle strength.
      3. Avoid sedentary behavior by taking breaks and standing or walking around throughout the day, especially if you have a desk job.
3. Quit Smoking
   If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent further complications and support your vascular health – as it leads to plaque build-up. Ask your doctor for assistance if you need help quitting.
4. Weight Management
   Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the risk of future arterial blockages. Excess weight places additional strain on your cardiovascular system and can contribute to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Your doctor may recommend a weight management plan tailored to your specific needs, including dietary guidance and a physical activity routine.
5. Manage Chronic Conditions
   If you have any underlying conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, it is important to manage them effectively during long-term recovery. Proper management of these chronic conditions will help improve your overall vascular health and reduce the risk of complications:
   1. Diabetes: Keep your blood sugar levels under control through medication, diet, and exercise.
   2. High Blood Pressure: Take prescribed medications as directed, and monitor your blood pressure regularly.
   3. Cholesterol Management: Take cholesterol-lowering medications (like statins) if prescribed, and follow dietary recommendations.

Factors That Affect Atherectomy Recovery Time

Several factors can influence the recovery timeline following an atherectomy procedure. These factors vary from patient to patient and can impact the healing process. Understanding these factors will help you manage expectations and take the necessary steps to optimize recovery. Below are some factors that can affect the atherectomy recovery timeline:

1. Overall Health Condition
   Your general health plays a significant role in how quickly you recover after an atherectomy. Patients who are in good overall health tend to heal faster and experience fewer complications compared to those with underlying health conditions.
2. Extent of Blockage
   The severity of the arterial blockage treated during the atherectomy can also impact recovery time. In cases where there is extensive plaque buildup or significant narrowing of the arteries, the procedure may require a longer recovery period. Factors to consider include number of blockages, location of the blockage, and the amount of plaque that needs to be removed.
3. Type of Atherectomy Procedure
   There are different types of atherectomy procedures, and the recovery time can vary depending on the technique used. The most common types include:
   • Rotational Atherectomy: This involves a catheter with a rotating blade that shaves off plaque. It is typically used for calcified plaque and may require a longer recovery period due to the complexity of the procedure.
   • Laser Atherectomy: This uses laser energy to vaporize plaque. While generally less invasive, laser atherectomy may still require some recovery time due to the precision and technique required.
   • Directional Atherectomy: This method removes plaque by directing it into a collection chamber within the catheter. This procedure may have a slightly shorter recovery time compared to rotational atherectomy, but it still requires careful healing.
4. Following Post-Procedure Care Instructions
   The way you care for yourself after the atherectomy can significantly influence how long it takes to recover. Following your doctor’s post-procedure instructions is essential for a smooth recovery, including wound care instructions, activity restrictions, and taking prescribed medications. 
5. Physical Activity Level Before the Procedure
   Patients who were more physically active prior to the atherectomy may experience a quicker recovery. Regular physical activity helps maintain circulation and muscle tone, which can support the healing process. However, patients who had a sedentary lifestyle before the procedure may take longer to recover, as their body needs time to adjust to post-procedure activity levels. 
6. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
   Smoking and excessive alcohol use can delay recovery after an atherectomy. Both smoking and heavy drinking affect circulation and blood vessel health, increasing the risk of complications such as blood clots, infection, and further plaque buildup. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake can significantly improve recovery times and overall health outcomes. 
7. Age: Age is a significant factor in the recovery process. Older adults, especially those over 70, may experience longer recovery times as their bodies may not heal as quickly. Additionally, age can come with other health issues (like arthritis, weakened bones, or decreased circulation) that can further slow down the recovery process.

Recover from an Atherectomy with American Endovascular

At American Endovascular, we specialize in advanced, minimally invasive procedures designed to treat PAD. Our expert team provides personalized care and guidance to help patients recover smoothly and maintain long-term wellness.

If you or a loved one is considering an atherectomy, contact us today to schedule an appointment or request more information about your treatment options.