A perforation or tear in the heart or arteries is not a common occurrence with an atherectomy. However, if it does happen, it is usually related to the use of catheters or other devices that travel through your arteries and heart.

The bleeding that can result from this causes the thin layer of tissue around your heart to fill with fluid. This layer of tissue, or "heart sac," is a limited space, and is not meant to hold a large quantity of fluid. Too much fluid causes the heart to stop pumping well. This may occur immediately or several weeks after your atherectomy. This situation requires surgery so that the area can be drained.

Life After a Stent: 5 Realistic Ways to Take Charge of Your Health

Coronary Atherectomy

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Controlled With Diet and Exercise Alone?

If My Parents Have Type 2 Diabetes, Will I Get It?

How Do I Get Blood to Test My Glucose?

Is Drinking Alcohol Okay With Diabetes?

Should I Quit Smoking If I Have Diabetes?

Are There Foods for Type 2 Diabetes?

Do Birth Control Pills Affect Blood Glucose?

Will Green Coffee Bean Extract Interact With My Diabetes Medication?

If I Have Type 2 Diabetes, Can I Still Eat Candy?

Do Sugary Foods Cause Type 2 Diabetes?

If I Have Diabetes, Can I Take Epsom Salt Baths?

Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Referring Pages:

Articles

Advertise with Us

About eMedTV

eMedTV serves only as an informational resource. This site does not dispense medical advice or advice of any kind. Site users seeking medical advice about their specific situation should consult with their own physician. Click Terms of Use for more information.