Hard plaque narrows blood flow.
AtherectomyTreat stubborn plaque—without open surgery.
When hard or complex plaque limits blood flow in the leg, atherectomy may remove or modify the buildup through a small access point. Balloon treatment or a stent may be added when the artery needs it.
Treatment starts with an exam and arterial imaging. Atherectomy is recommended only when it fits the plaque, the artery, your symptoms, and the result needed.
How plaque is treatedSee where atherectomy fits—and what may come next.
Image-guided
A catheter device removes or modifies plaque.
A balloon or stent may be added if needed.
A less invasive approach
The blockage is reached through a small access point
Treats hard plaque directly
A specialized catheter removes or modifies the buildup
A plan built for your artery
A balloon or stent is added only when it may help
What Atherectomy Does
Atherectomy treats plaque from inside the artery. A specialized catheter removes or modifies the buildup so blood flow can be improved with the combination of tools that best fits the artery.
Common Symptoms of Poor Circulation
Could poor circulation be causing your symptoms? These signs may mean it is time to check the blood flow in your legs and learn whether treatment could help.
Cramping when you walk
Pain that improves with rest
Numbness or tingling
Cold foot or leg
A sore that will not heal
Skin color changes
Find out what’s causing your symptoms.
Request a Circulation EvaluationA focused evaluation can show whether medication, a walking program, or a procedure should come next—and whether atherectomy has a role.
How Atherectomy Works
The specialist reaches the plaque through a small access point and guides a catheter through the artery with live X-ray imaging.
Reach the plaque
After the access area is numbed, a thin catheter and guidewire are directed through the artery to the narrowed segment.
Treat the buildup
A specialized device removes or modifies plaque. The exact device is selected for the plaque pattern and artery.
Check and finish the result
Imaging checks the blood flow. Balloon treatment or a stent may be added when it can improve or support the result.
Atherectomy vs. Angioplasty
They do different jobs and may be used together. Your specialist chooses the tools that fit the plaque, the artery, and the result needed.
QuestionAtherectomyAngioplasty
Is Atherectomy Right for You?
A scan can show plaque, but it cannot choose the treatment by itself. Your symptoms, plaque pattern, artery, health, and goals all shape the recommendation.
Your evaluation should make these points clear:
- Whether reduced blood flow explains the symptoms or wound.
- Whether medication and structured walking should come first.
- Which plaque needs treatment—and which findings can be watched.
- Whether atherectomy adds value over balloon treatment alone.
- Whether a balloon, drug-coated balloon, or stent may also be used.
- What benefit is realistic and which risks matter most for you.
What to Expect Before Treatment
There should be no surprises on procedure day. You will know why treatment is recommended, what may happen, and how to prepare.
Start with an arterial evaluation
Your specialist reviews symptoms, pulse findings, prior records, and any wounds or skin changes.
Map the blood flow
Ankle-brachial index, duplex ultrasound, CT angiography, or other imaging may be used to define the blockage.
Review medicines and safety details
The team confirms allergies, kidney function, blood thinners, diabetes medicines, fasting, and transportation instructions.
Choose the tools that fit
You receive a clear explanation of why atherectomy may help, what other tools may be added, the risks, and the follow-up plan.
Recovery and Follow-Up
The procedure is only one part of care. Your recovery instructions will be based on the access site, artery treated, treatment combination, and your health.
Observation and access-site checks
The team monitors circulation, the puncture site, and how you feel as sedation wears off.
Protect the access site
Walking, lifting, driving, bathing, and wound-care instructions are tailored to your procedure.
Recheck symptoms and blood flow
A clinic visit, duplex ultrasound, or ankle-brachial index may be used to assess the result.
Protect the result
Medication, activity, smoking cessation, and control of diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol remain important.
Find Out What Your Plan Covers
Know what to expect before treatment. Share your plan details and our team will help check your benefits, explain what may be covered, and tell you what is needed before scheduling.
Our Team
Three board-certified specialists across three locations.
Harout Dermendjian, MD
Endovascular Specialist
Dr. Dermendjian is a highly experienced specialist known for his steady presence in the procedure room. Patients value his direct and reassuring approach, while referring providers trust his ability to manage complex arterial and venous disease with clarity.
Meet Dr. Dermendjian
Kartik Kansagra, MD
Endovascular Specialist
Dr. Kansagra prioritizes clear, direct communication with patients and referring providers alike. He brings a collaborative approach to complex endovascular cases, ensuring every treatment decision is well understood before it's made.
Meet Dr. Kansagra
Sipan Mathevosian, MD
Endovascular Specialist
Dr. Mathevosian's training in Vascular Interventional Radiology spans arterial disease, venous conditions, and interventional oncology. His technical range makes him the practice's lead for complex embolization cases.
Meet Dr. MathevosianThree Convenient Locations
Start your evaluation close to home. Consultations are available across the EVSLA service area, and our team will confirm where any recommended procedure is performed.
Glendale
Vascular consultation and follow-up serving Glendale and surrounding communities.
View Glendale locationSimi Valley
Specialist vascular evaluation and coordinated follow-up in Simi Valley.
View Simi Valley locationLa Cañada Flintridge
Convenient access to EVSLA specialists for consultation and follow-up.
View La Cañada locationProcedure availability can vary by location and clinical need. The scheduling team will confirm the appropriate site.
Common Questions
Atherectomy, explained plainly. Your specialist will explain what applies to your plaque, artery, health, and treatment plan.
What is atherectomy?
Atherectomy is an image-guided procedure that uses a specialized catheter to remove or modify plaque inside a narrowed peripheral artery.
How is atherectomy different from angioplasty?
Atherectomy treats the plaque itself. Angioplasty uses a balloon to widen the artery. The two procedures may be used together when that approach fits the plaque and artery.
Is atherectomy needed for every blocked artery?
No. The choice depends on your symptoms, the plaque location and calcification, artery size, previous treatments, and the goals of treatment.
Is atherectomy open surgery?
No. Atherectomy is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure performed through a small artery access point rather than a large surgical incision. It still requires preparation, monitoring, and follow-up.
Will I need a balloon or stent afterward?
Possibly. Atherectomy may prepare the artery for balloon treatment, and a stent may be added when the artery needs support. The plan is individualized.
What should I expect during recovery?
Recovery depends on the access site, artery treated, procedure complexity, and your health. You will receive individualized instructions for activity, medicines, access-site care, and follow-up.
Can plaque or narrowing return?
Yes. Re-narrowing or progression of artery disease can occur after any revascularization procedure. Medication, risk-factor control, walking, and follow-up remain important.
Does insurance cover atherectomy?
Coverage depends on your plan, network, medical necessity, and authorization requirements. EVSLA can review your plan details and explain the next steps before scheduling.
Plaque can be complex. Your next step can be clear.
An EVSLA specialist can review your symptoms and imaging, explain whether atherectomy may help, and guide you through the next step.