Atherectomy in Williamsport, PA: Treatment for Atherosclerosis

An atherectomy is a catheter-based procedure used to remove plaque from a blood vessel. The catheter is placed into an artery., and using a special catheter with a chamber in the tip, an atherectomy removes plaque from a blood vessel as the device is removed from the artery.

If you need atherosclerosis treatment, cardiologists at UPMC can perform atherectomy in Williamsport, PA. To learn more about this potentially life-saving treatment, Find a Provider at UPMC.

Why Atherectomy Is Performed

The goal of an atherectomy is to get rid of plaque buildup in the arteries. Your cardiologist may recommend this procedure if your arteries are blocked or narrowed from plaque along the artery walls. This narrowing or blockage can prevent proper blood flow, causing muscles in the lower extremities to lose strength. Another reason atherectomy may be performed is if a stent placement is not possible.

What To Expect With Atherectomy at UPMC

Atherectomy is performed by a trained vascular surgeon in a Susquehanna Health hospital cardiac catheterization lab (or cath lab). You’ll be given a local anesthetic with a mild sedative through an intravenous line (IV). Your surgeon will insert a special catheter tipped with a sharp blade and move it through the artery until it reaches the blockage. The plaque will be scraped away and collected in the catheter chamber. An atherectomy usually lasts around two hours, not including preparation and recovery time. Once complete, you’ll need to lie still for three to six hours. You may need to stay in the hospital for one to two days after an atherectomy.

How Everyday Life May Be Different

Your doctor will give you special instructions on when it will be safe to resume normal activities again (typically within a few days after your procedure). While atherectomy may be helpful in treating symptoms of atherosclerosis, a healthy lifestyle will be encouraged in order to prevent symptoms from developing again.

UPMC offers atherectomy in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas, as treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD).