Atherectomy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Atherectomy is a procedure that is done to remove plaques that block the arteries (blood vessels). Plaques are fat, cholesterol, or tissues that are clogged in the inner wall of the arteries. Although arteries are present throughout the body, plaque most often builds up in the arteries of the heart. When plaques build up inside the blood vessels, blood flow may be decreased. With a decreased blood flow, your heart muscles may not get enough oxygen. This can cause angina (chest pain), heart disease, or a heart attack.
  
  
• Caregivers use a catheter (long, thin, bendable tube) to cut, shave, or dissolve the plaques that are blocking the arteries. This reduces the narrowing and increases blood flow back to the heart muscles.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Wellness tips:

• Eat a variety of healthy foods: This may help you have more energy and heal faster. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
  
  
• Drink liquids as directed: Adults should drink between 9 and 13 eight-ounce cups of liquid every day. Ask what amount is best for you. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juice, and milk.
  
  
• Get plenty of exercise: Talk to your caregiver about the best exercise plan for you. Exercise can decrease your blood pressure and improve your health.
  
  
• Do not smoke: If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. You are more likely to have heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and other health problems if you smoke. Quitting smoking will improve your health and the health of those around you. If you smoke, ask for information about how to stop.
  
  
• Manage stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• You have redness, discharge, or pain in the area where the catheter was inserted.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your atherectomy, illness, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
  
  
• You have any of the following:
  
  
  • Chest pain that spreads to your arms, jaw, or back.
    
    
  • Sweating more than usual.
    
    
  • There is bleeding, increased bruising, and swelling where the catheter was inserted.
    
    
  • Your leg used for the atherectomy becomes cold, numb, pale, or is very painful.
    
    
  • This is an emergency. Call 911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Atherectomy (Discharge Care)