About Atherectomy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with small incisions, leading to less pain and scarring.Directly removes plaque, which can be more effective for heavily calcified blockages compared to angioplasty alone.Can improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like angina or leg pain (claudication).Often performed as a same-day or short-stay procedure, allowing for quicker return to daily activities.May reduce the need for more invasive surgeries like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Can be combined with other treatments like balloon angioplasty and stenting for optimal results./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, symptomatic coronary artery disease (angina) not adequately controlled by medication.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causing significant leg pain, non-healing wounds, or critical limb ischemia.
- Presence of hard, calcified plaque that may not respond well to standard balloon angioplasty.
- In-stent restenosis, where plaque has re-grown inside a previously placed stent.
- To prepare a severely blocked artery for successful stent placement by modifying the plaque.
- Chronic total occlusion (CTO), a complete blockage of an artery.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and imaging studies like an angiogram.
- Discuss all current medications with your cardiologist; you may need to temporarily stop blood thinners like aspirin or clopidogrel.
- Fast (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as sedation is used.
- Inform the doctor of any allergies, especially to iodine contrast dye or medications.
- Wear comfortable clothing and leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, bruising, or infection at the catheter insertion site (usually in the groin or wrist).
- Damage to the blood vessel, including dissection (tear) or perforation.
- Distal embolization, where loosened plaque particles travel and block a smaller blood vessel downstream.
- Re-narrowing (restenosis) of the treated artery over time.
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during imaging.
- Rare but serious risks include heart attack, stroke, kidney injury from contrast dye, or emergency need for bypass surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-procedure: You will rest in a recovery area for several hours with pressure applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding.
- Hospital Stay: Typically an overnight observation or same-day discharge if no complications arise.
- Activity: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and driving for at least 24-48 hours. Gradual resumption of normal activities over a week is advised.
- Medication: Strictly adhere to prescribed medications, which usually include antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin/clopidogrel) to prevent blood clots.
- Follow-up: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your cardiologist to monitor recovery and artery health.
- Lifestyle: Commit to heart-healthy lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering atherectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for atherectomy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform atherectomy. MediFyr helps you compare cardiologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for atherectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Atherectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated cardiology teams and experience managing patients undergoing atherectomy.
Aarav Chopra, a 58-year-old restaurant owner,...
Aarav Chopra, a 58-year-old restaurant owner, had always been active but began experiencing severe chest pain and shortness of breath while walking short distances. His father had a history of heart disease. Despite medication, his symptoms worsened, limiting his ability to work in his busy kitchen. A coronary angiogram revealed a heavily calcified blockage in his left anterior descending artery. His cardiologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that a standard stent might not work due to the hard plaque and recommended an atherectomy to shave away the calcium before placing a stent. During the procedure, Aarav was awake but sedated. He felt pressure but no pain as the tiny device rotated to clear the artery. Post-procedure, he spent a night in the hospital. Within weeks, his chest pain vanished, and he could walk without limitation. Emotionally, he transitioned from the fear of losing his livelihood to profound relief and gratitude, feeling he had been given a second chance to enjoy his life and family.
Cardiologists for Atherectomy
Explore experienced cardiologists who regularly perform atherectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 22 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 7 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
- 20 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 55 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala