WHAT ARE THE RISKS/LIMITATIONS OF ATHERECTOMY?
Atherectomy is a new procedure and has proved to be a safer alternative to a surgical bypass procedure to improve or restore blood flow. Surgical bypass requires a much larger incision and is done under general anesthesia. However, some patients are not candidates for an atherectomy and may be referred to a surgeon for a bypass procedure. Although small, there is still a risk of developing another blockage following a plaque excision.
