PAD Senior Woman Leg Pain

What is Atherectomy?

Atherectomy is a minimally invasive-image guided procedure used to remove plaque from an artery (blood vessel) and open narrow or blocked arteries. Removing plaque buildup makes the artery wider, allowing blood to flow more freely to the heart muscles. During an atherectomy, the plaque is removed or modified with tiny rotating blades or a laser on the end of a catheter through a minimally invasive incision. As a result, the procedure helps restore healthy blood flow and relieves the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease. An atherectomy procedure also is typically for people who have already had an angioplasty or recently had a stent placement.

Benefits of Atherectomy Procedure

An atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that helps restore healthy blood flow and quickly relieves symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Atherectomy procedures are extremely effective, 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 plaque buildup inside their arteries or symptoms related to peripheral arterial disease are candidates for an atherectomy procedure. Atherectomy can often relieve symptoms of peripheral arterial disease without surgery. You may be a good candidate for an atherectomy if you’re 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 the procedure, one of our affiliated physicians will talk to you about what to expect before, during, and after your atherectomy. Preparation for atherectomy may also 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
PAE 15 scaled 1
Request a Consultation

Request a consultation at your nearest American Endovascular affiliated center.

How is Atherectomy Performed

Atherectomy is a less invasive way of restoring blood flow to your legs. Our affiliated vascular specialists are atherectomy experts with extensive experience performing these procedures. Before the procedure, you’ll receive local anesthesia and mild sedation to help you relax. A catheter is then inserted into your artery via your groin or upper thigh area. The catheter is guided through the artery to access the narrow or blocked area. An X-ray is then taken to help your vascular doctor pinpoint the area that is blocked or narrowed. 

Once your physician detects the blocked area, he or she then uses tiny blades, or a laser, attached to the end of the catheter to cut away or vaporize the plaque. Your doctor may repeat this process a couple of times until enough plaque is removed so that blood can flow freely through your arteries. Depending on your condition, your 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.

In some cases, stent placement or angioplasty may be performed after the atherectomy to ensure that the artery stays open. Once the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed from your artery.

PAD Close Up of Woman's Legs

Atherectomy Recovery Time

Atherectomies for peripheral arterial disease are performed at one of our affiliated outpatient centers and typically last an hour. After your procedure, you will rest in a separate recovery room area before you are sent home the same day. You may be asked to initially lie down flat for a few hours and then gradually increase your mobility and sit up. Many patients are typically walking between 2-6 hours after treatment and resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

What to Expect After Atherectomy

After your atherectomy procedure, your vascular specialist will give you detailed instructions to follow at home and may prescribe you blood thinning medications. Your specialist may recommend that you avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, foods high in sodium and sugar, secondhand smoke, and soaking in water until your catheter incision site heals.

Your vascular specialist will also recommend you schedule a follow-up appointment to check your recovery progress. Before your follow-up appointment, if you notice any redness or swelling at the incision site or signs of a potential infection make sure to contact our office. However, after a successful atherectomy procedure, you should see a vast improvement in your PAD symptoms, making it much easier to function in normal activities and daily life again.

PAD Leg Pain Closeup

Why Choose American Endovascular for Atherectomy?

Patients who come to American Endovascular for an atherectomy benefit from our advanced minimally invasive-image guided techniques and individualized care to help catch plaque buildup in the early and late stages of PAD. Our affiliated vascular specialists represent the “best of the best” and are nationally recognized as innovators and leaders in the fields of Amputation Prevention and Endovascular & Interventional Radiology.

Our Vascular Centers in NY, NJ & OH

American Endovascular has vascular centers in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio. Each of our centers offers atherectomy procedures and streamlined care in an outpatient setting that allows for convenient scheduling, same-day procedures, and no overnight hospital stay.

All Locations
Brooklyn Endovascular Logo
Brooklyn, NY
71 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA
Queens Endovascular Logo
Queens, NY
28-18 31st St, 2nd Floor, Astoria, NY 11102
West Orange, NJ
347 Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Cincinnati Endovascular Center
Cincinnati, OH
2950 Glendale Milford Rd ste 520, Evendale, OH 45241, USA
Fishkill Endovascular Logo
Fishkill, NY
60 Merritt Blvd ste 107, Fishkill, NY 12524, USA
Harlem Endovascular Logo
Harlem, NY
505 East 116th Street suite 400, New York, NY 10029, USA
AmericanEndo Logo
Dayton, OH
3075 Governor’s Place Boulevard, Kettering, OH, USA
New York
Brooklyn Endovascular Logo
Brooklyn, NY
71 Carroll Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
347-479-1110
Visit Location
Queens Endovascular Logo
Queens, NY
28-18 31st Street
Queens, NY 11102
718-395-6247
Visit Location
Fishkill Endovascular Logo
Fishkill, NY
60 Merritt Boulevard
Fishkill, NY 12524
845-896-1900
Visit Location
Harlem Endovascular Logo
Harlem, NY
505 East 116th Street
Harlem, NY 10029
646-362-3178
Visit Location

PAD Treatment in New York

American Endovascular has four vascular centers in New York. Our locations are in Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens, and Fishkill, treating patients with peripheral arterial disease in the New York City area.

Brooklyn Endovascular Logo
Brooklyn, NY
71 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA
Queens Endovascular Logo
Queens, NY
28-18 31st St, 2nd Floor, Astoria, NY 11102
Fishkill Endovascular Logo
Fishkill, NY
60 Merritt Blvd ste 107, Fishkill, NY 12524, USA
Harlem Endovascular Logo
Harlem, NY
505 East 116th Street suite 400, New York, NY 10029, USA
New Jersey
NJEAP logo final 02 2021 1
West Orange, NJ
347 Mount Pleasant Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
973-947-6586
Visit Location

PAD Treatment in New Jersey

American Endovascular offers peripheral arterial disease treatment in New Jersey. Our vascular center in West Orange offers industry-leading endovascular treatments to help patients with PAD live healthier and happier lives.

West Orange, NJ
347 Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Ohio
Cincinnati Endovascular Center
Cincinnati, OH
2950 Glendale Milford Road
Cincinnati, OH 45241
513-773-3440
Visit Location
AmericanEndo Logo
Dayton, OH
3075 Governor’s Pl Blvd, Suite 120,
Dayton, OH 45241
937-424-2580
Visit Location

PAD Treatment in Ohio

American Endovascular provides peripheral artery disease in Ohio with the latest minimally invasive technology and techniques available. Our vascular center in Evendale is near Cincinnati, making it convenient for Ohio residents to schedule an appointment in the nearby area.

Cincinnati Endovascular Center
Cincinnati, OH
2950 Glendale Milford Rd ste 520, Evendale, OH 45241, USA
AmericanEndo Logo
Dayton, OH
3075 Governor’s Place Boulevard, Kettering, OH, USA

What Our Patients Are Saying

Dr. Abadir and his staff are wonderful.
debdefran
debdefran
21:28 03 May 23
Very professional and informative
Kieran McDonald
Kieran McDonald
20:58 25 Apr 23
Wonderful staff very kind very thorough no waiting♥️. I’ve never been to a doctors office and treated with so much respect.. I’m looking forward to my next appointment 😇
Denise Sciarra
Denise Sciarra
16:16 17 Mar 23
The staff could not have been friendlier! I was treated so well and my procedure was a huge success!
Darcy Sala
Darcy Sala
14:44 28 Feb 23
Very friendly and hard working people. Excellent doctor and team!!!Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging!
finda jackson
finda jackson
13:37 03 Feb 23
Great experience very through staff are extremely helpful and friendly no wait time I highly recommend.
william cardoza
william cardoza
15:05 12 Sep 22
A doctor who listens, smart and personable, I liked him.
sherry svec
sherry svec
21:38 16 May 22
Went there for the first time didn’t have to fill out paperwork which constantly asked the same question. Nurses were friendly didn’t have to come back a second time to have test done did it rite then, doctor explain everything set up appointment to have procedure done and I’m very confident in the doctor
GARY DINI
GARY DINI
12:23 25 Jan 22
Excellent service. Dr. Abadir and staff were attentive and thoughtful. All communication regarding my visit were clear and concise and they took the time to listen and address all of my questions. Great visit!
dennis bernstein
dennis bernstein
14:50 21 Jan 22
I thank you very much you took good care I feel great I am very happy with you and I will be back .
Maleta Ford
Maleta Ford
14:24 02 Sep 21
Super friendly and communicative. Efficient staff in the office. A unique experience for a doctors office. Dr Abadir was concise and effective in his exam and explanations
William Silsdorf
William Silsdorf
19:56 07 Jun 21
I found the staff Extremely cordial and professional. Dr. Abidir took his time and explained what procedures needed to be doneAnd why he recommended them to establish a diagnosis.Dr. Abidir was reassuring and listened to and answered all of my questions.So far I am very pleased with the endo vascularProgram here.Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
20:39 17 May 21
Pleased with staff and doctor is very compassionate
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
23:57 15 Mar 21
Thank you to you and your great staff.Bill Baratta
Rita Baratta
Rita Baratta
15:07 26 Jan 21
js_loader

Recent Blogs & Videos

Learn more about vascular health, prevention, and care for Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Older Couple Meeting with Doctor CTA Banner
Request a Consultation

Request a consultation at your nearest American Endovascular affiliated center.