Atherectomy is a procedure to remove plaque from arteries. Plaque is the buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in an artery’s inner lining. Coronary atherectomy removes plaque from the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle, using a laser catheter or a rotating shaver. The catheter is inserted into the body and advanced through an artery to the area of narrowing. Balloon angioplasty or stenting may be used after an atherectomy.
Patients with plaque buildup in the carotid arteries or major arteries of the neck are at a higher risk for stroke. Carotid endarterectomy is an effective surgical procedure that can remove plaque to reduce that risk.