Atherectomy treats peripheral artery disease by removing plaque that restricts blood flow in your legs. At Atrium Vascular Associates, vascular and endovascular surgeon Dr. Sydney Wong uses minimally invasive techniques to restore circulation and relieve symptoms.
Restore Blood Flow to Blocked Arteries
Atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) by physically removing the plaque from inside the narrowed or blocked arteries. Plaque buildup can restrict blood flow to your legs, which can lead to pain, fatigue, or non-healing wounds. During atherectomy, a thin catheter with a cutting or laser device is used to remove hardened plaque and restore blood flow to the legs.
Why Do You Need an Atherectomy?
Atherectomy treats peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition caused by plaque buildup that narrows or blocks arteries, limiting blood flow to your legs. Reduced circulation can lead to leg pain when walking, fatigue, numbness, or slow-healing wounds. By removing hardened plaque from the artery, atherectomy helps restore blood flow, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of more serious complications.
You may need atherectomy if:
- You have leg pain or cramping when walking that limits daily activity
- You have significant plaque buildup, causing artery narrowing or blockage
- You have symptoms that have not improved with medication or lifestyle changes
- You have non-healing wounds or ulcers due to poor circulation
- You are not an ideal candidate for open vascular surgery
Why Choose Dr. Sydney Wong?
Dr. Sydney Wong is a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon with extensive experience in atherectomy. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) and Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI), he carefully evaluates each artery and tailors plaque-removal techniques to your anatomy and symptoms. His patient-centered approach focuses on restoring circulation safely while minimizing recovery time through evidence-based planning and attentive follow-up care.
What to Expect During Atherectomy?
During atherectomy, you are given anesthesia and light sedation. Dr. Wong inserts a thin catheter through a small puncture, usually in your groin or arm, and guides it to the narrowed artery. A specialized cutting or laser device is then used to remove the hardened plaque from inside the vessel. Dr. Wong may repeat this process to improve blood flow and may also use a balloon or stent if needed.
Benefits of Atherectomy
Atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure for treating peripheral artery disease by directly removing plaque and improving blood flow. This approach is often chosen to reduce symptoms while avoiding open surgery and prolonged recovery.
Key advantages include:
- Restoring blood flow by removing hardened plaque
- Treating complex or heavily calcified artery blockages
- Requiring only a small puncture instead of open surgery
- Allowing faster recovery and return to daily activities
- Can be combined with angioplasty or stenting when needed
Atherectomy FAQs
Will Atherectomy Cure Peripheral Artery Disease?
Atherectomy treats the specific artery narrowed by plaque, but it does not cure peripheral artery disease itself. PAD is a chronic condition related to atherosclerosis. You will still need long-term management, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, and ongoing follow-up to monitor circulation.
What Is Recovery Like After Atherectomy?
Recovery is generally quick. You may be asked to lie flat for several hours to reduce the risk of bleeding, and you should avoid strenuous activity for a short period. Many people return to normal daily activities within a few days, though Dr. Wong will give you individualized instructions based on your procedure and overall health to ensure optimal recovery.
Schedule Your Consultation
Atrium Vascular Associates is dedicated to providing thoughtful, individualized vascular care. Our clinic is located in Richmond Hill and serves patients throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Schedule your consultation to discuss your symptoms, explore your options, and receive expert guidance.
