Atherectomy for PAD in NY and NJ
At American Endovascular, we specialize in minimally invasive PAD treatments, including atherectomy procedures for patients in New York and New Jersey. If you’re experiencing blocked arteries due to peripheral artery disease (PAD), an atherectomy may be the solution to restore blood flow to your legs.
Atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat blockages in arteries caused by plaque buildup. During the procedure, a special catheter with a rotating blade or laser is used to remove or shave off the plaque from the artery walls, restoring blood flow. This procedure is commonly performed to treat PAD to help remove plaque and open narrow or blocked arteries, improving PAD symptoms.
Benefits of Atherectomy Procedure
Atherectomy procedures are an extremely effective mininally invasive treatment for PAD, especially when combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier and regularly exercising. Unlike traditional surgery, an atherectomy procedure also offers the following advantages:
- Effectively helps restore blood flow
- Improves circulation
- No hospital stay
- No major incision
- No scarring
- Same day procedure
- Shorter recovery time
Candidates for Atherectomy
Patients who have been diagnosed with PAD and have calcified or hardened plaque that cannot be effectively treated with other methods, such as balloon angioplasty or stenting, are candidates for an atherectomy procedure.You may be a good candidate for an atherectomy if you’re also experiencing the following PAD symptoms:
- Muscle pain and numbness in the feet or legs
- Calf pain while walking that goes away with rest
- Sores or wounds on the legs or feet that won’t heal
- Poor circulation in the legs or feet
- Leg and foot and/or toe discoloration
- Weakness in the legs, feet, or toes
- Legs, feet or toes feeling cold
How to Prepare for Atherectomy Procedure
Before your atherectomy procedure in NY or NJ, one of our affiliated vascular specialists will talk to you about what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. Preparation for atherectomy may involve the following:
- Overview of family and medical history
- Routine blood work and imaging tests (ultrasound or MRI)
- Telling your doctor about any allergies to medications or contrast dye
- Refrain from taking blood thinning and NSAID medications prior to procedure
- Not eating or drinking for at least 6 hours prior to surgery
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure
Schedule an Appointment at your nearest American Endovascular affiliated center.
How is the Atherectomy Procedure Performed?
The atherectomy procedure involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation to keep you comfortable. You will remain awake but relaxed during the procedure.
- Catheter Insertion: A catheter is inserted through a small incision, often in the groin, and guided to the site of the blockage using real-time X-ray imaging.
- Plaque Removal: A specialized catheter with a rotating blade, laser, or other devices is used to remove or shave off the plaque from the artery walls.
- Final Imaging: After plaque removal, the artery is re-examined with imaging to ensure that blood flow is restored.
The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the blockage.
Depending on the stage of PAD, your vascular specialist may use different types of blades or use lasers to remove plaque:
- Excisional atherectomy: A blade attached to the catheter cuts plaque buildup in one direction.
- Orbital atherectomy: A spinning blade on the catheter’s tip grinds away the plaque like sandpaper.
- Rotational atherectomy: Tiny blades with diamond chips rotate in a circular motion to crush plaque up into microscopic particles.
- Laser ablation atherectomy: A high-energy laser attached to the catheter destroys and vaporizes plaque buildup in the arteries.
Your specialist may repeat this process several times until enough plaque is removed so that blood can flow freely through your arteries.
Atherectomy Recovery Time
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no immediate complications. You may experience mild soreness or bruising at the incision site. However, recovery from atherectomy is generally quick, with patients going home on the same day. Patients can also resume light activities within a few days, but strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 1-2 weeks. The recovery time for atherectomy is generally shorter than for more invasive procedures, making it an excellent option for those looking for a faster recovery.
What to Expect After Atherectomy
After an atherectomy procedure, many patients experience improved blood flow to their legs and immediate relief from their symptoms, such as leg pain, cramping, and numbness. However, to ensure long-term health and the success of your procedure, your doctor may schedule regular checkups at one of our outpatient centers in New York or New Jersey to monitor your arteries to ensure the plaque does not build up again.
Your vascular specialist may also recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe blood-thinning medications to help with the recovery process for your post-procedure care. It is important to follow their recommendations for lifestyle adjustments to help with your recovery, which may include avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, foods high in sodium and sugar, smoking, and secondhand smoke.
Why Choose American Endovascular for Atherectomy Procedures?
At American Endovascular, we are a trusted name in minimally invasive PAD treatments in New York and New Jersey. Our team of vascular specialists has years of experience performing atherectomy procedures with excellent outcomes. We use the latest imaging technology to perform precise and effective atherectomy procedures, ensuring the best results for our patients, developing a tailored treatment plan for their needs. Our affiliated vascular specialists are not only recognized as top experts for performing atherectomy procedures, but are also celebrated nationally as pioneers in Amputation Prevention and Endovascular & Interventional Radiology.
Our Vascular Specialists in NY and NJ
At American Endovascular, our vascular specialists in New York and New Jersey are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to our patients. We focus on using minimally invasive techniques, such as atherectomy, to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms of PAD. Our team is committed to helping you regain your mobility and improve your quality of life.
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