During an atherectomy, a special pulverizing device is used to clean the arteries in your heart. This eMedTV Web page discusses this procedure in detail, including why it is performed, recovery expectations, and possible complications.
In preparing for atherectomy, you should not drink or eat anything eight hours prior to the surgery. This eMedTV resource explains other things to consider before surgery, such as arranging a ride home after the procedure.
During the day of the atherectomy, you will be given an EKG and an IV for medications. This page of the eMedTV Web site discusses measures your healthcare team will take prior to performing the procedure and how you can help them ensure your safety.
Before an atherectomy, you will be taken to the cath lab, which is where the procedure is performed. This eMedTV resource discusses atherectomy and the cath lab, what monitors might be used, and what you may see and hear.
An atherectomy procedure is performed to open dangerous blockages in your heart. This portion of the eMedTV archives discusses what typically occurs during and after this procedure, as well as symptoms to watch for during the surgery.
During your atherectomy recovery period, you need to avoid strenuous physical activity for one to two weeks. This eMedTV Web page explains other aspects of the recovery process, including restrictions your doctor will place on you after you go home.
Depending on whether your doctor chooses to use a stent, your results after an atherectomy may vary. This eMedTV segment describes reasonable atherectomy expectations, statistics about the procedure, and possible benefits of the surgery.
Possible complications of atherectomy can range from blood clots to infections to heart attack. As this eMedTV page explains, complications are rare and are more likely to occur if you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes.
While your doctor may recommend it, you may decide you don't want an atherectomy. Alternatives explained in this eMedTV article include heart medications or bypass surgery.
What if you don't have an atherectomy? As this eMedTV resource explains, while the decision is ultimately up to you, there is a chance that your condition may get worse without this procedure. Discuss your concerns and alternatives with your doctor.
If you have diabetes and are planning for an atherectomy, you should know the signs of abnormal blood sugar. This eMedTV Web page discusses the special risks and complications associated with diabetics and atherectomy.
In rare cases, patients may experience a stroke during atherectomy. As this eMedTV article explains, this happens when the brain can't get enough oxygen and tissue dies. Fortunately, this only happens in about 7 out of every 10,000 procedures.
No-reflow is a possible complication of atherectomy in which blood flow in a coronary artery decreases. This eMedTV article explains the link between no-reflow and atherectomy, why it is dangerous, and different ways it may be treated.
In the last 25 years, the chances of loss of life with atherectomy have decreased, but it is still possible. This eMedTV segment discusses factors that can affect the likelihood of this occurring, such as having severe heart failure.
In rare cases, kidney problems can occur as a complication of atherectomy. This page of the eMedTV site discusses the possibility of kidney problems after atherectomy and offers statistics on how often they result in the need for dialysis.
People with kidney disease have a higher chance of experiencing kidney failure due to an atherectomy. As this eMedTV page explains, atherectomy risks with kidney disease can include kidney failure brought on by the dyes used during the surgery.
Abnormal heartbeats are often common with an atherectomy and are usually no cause for concern. This eMedTV segment explains how the heart beats, possible causes of irregular heartbeats during atherectomy, and how the doctor may treat this problem.
Although extremely rare, infections following atherectomy can happen. This eMedTV Web page explains what causes these infections, treatment options, and steps doctors take to prevent this complication from occurring.
Although rare, there is a risk of developing atherectomy complications, and immediate surgery may be needed. This eMedTV resource discusses the complications that can occur and the type of surgery often performed in such cases, such as bypass.
Any surgery on or near the heart carries a risk of heart injury, and an atherectomy is no exception. This eMedTV page explains the likelihood of this occurring, the types of injuries involved, and treatment methods.
It is possible for someone to have a heart attack during atherectomy; however, this is rare. This page of the eMedTV library discusses factors that affect the possibility of this occurring, as well as what happens when a heart attack occurs.
Equipment failure during atherectomy is always a possibility. However, as this segment of the eMedTV archives explains, this is extremely rare. Equipment is regularly tested and meets strict FDA requirements.
Blood clots are a possible complication of atherectomy; however, most are not serious. This eMedTV page looks at the link between blood clots and atherectomy, why they can be dangerous, and how they are usually treated.
Although rare, bleeding problems can occur during or after an atherectomy. This page of the eMedTV site highlights possible bleeding problems with atherectomy, such as blood clots, collection of blood under the skin, ongoing bleeding, and more.
Artery reclosure can occur after an atherectomy if a tear becomes too large and blocks blood flow. This eMedTV page explains the link between artery reclosure and atherectomy, why it occurs, possible symptoms, and how it is treated.
