TREATMENT

Thrombolysis

VASCULAR & ARTERIAL PROCEDURE

Thrombolysis is a clot-dissolving treatment used to help restore blood flow when a blood clot blocks an artery or vein. For selected vascular patients, thrombolysis may be part of an urgent or carefully planned treatment approach.

  • Dissolves blood clots
  • May restore blood flow
  • Used for selected blockages
  • Often image-guided
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Evaluation & Next Steps

  • Clear severity assessment and next steps
  • Supportive care and recovery guidance
  • Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
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Quick Summary

Key takeaway: Atherectomy is a plaque-removal procedure used in selected vascular cases where narrowed arteries are limiting blood flow.

It may be part of a broader endovascular treatment plan and can be used before, during, or alongside angioplasty or stenting when plaque reduction may help improve circulation.

WHAT IS ATHERECTOMY?

Atherectomy is a catheter-based procedure used to remove, shave, sand, vaporize, or reduce plaque inside an artery. The goal is to create more space inside the vessel so blood can move more effectively through the treated area.

The procedure is commonly used for peripheral arterial disease, especially when plaque buildup has narrowed arteries in the legs. Depending on the blockage, atherectomy may be performed alone or combined with angioplasty, stenting, or other vascular treatments.

Unlike open bypass surgery, atherectomy is performed through a small access point rather than a large incision. The specific technique depends on the artery being treated, plaque characteristics, symptoms, and the patient’s overall vascular condition.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • Leg pain while walking
  • Poor circulation from PAD
  • Non-healing wounds or ulcers
  • Heavily narrowed arteries
  • Complex or calcified plaque buildup
A full evaluation helps determine whether atherectomy is appropriate based on symptoms, imaging findings, circulation needs, plaque type, and overall health.

Conditions Treated

Atherectomy may be recommended for selected patients with arterial narrowing caused by plaque buildup, especially when reduced blood flow is affecting the legs, feet, or wound healing.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Narrowed leg arteries caused by plaque buildup that can reduce blood flow and cause walking pain or poor circulation.

Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Severe circulation loss that may contribute to rest pain, tissue damage, or wounds that do not heal properly.

Arterial Plaque Buildup

Hard or complex plaque inside the artery that may need targeted reduction before blood flow can improve.

Poor Wound Healing

Reduced blood flow to the foot or leg can make wounds harder to heal and may require vascular evaluation.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Improves blood flow
  • Reduces plaque buildup
  • Supports wound healing
  • May support limb preservation
  • Can pair with stenting
Benefits vary based on artery location, plaque type, disease severity, and whether additional treatment such as angioplasty, stenting, wound care, or medication management is also needed.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

Atherectomy is performed using image guidance and a minimally invasive technique designed to treat plaque from inside the artery while preserving blood flow through the vessel.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Vascular imaging may be reviewed
  • Medication and allergy history are checked
  • Blood thinners may need special instructions

During the Procedure

  • A small catheter access point is created
  • Imaging guides treatment inside the artery
  • Plaque is reduced or removed as needed

Recovery & Aftercare

  • The access site is monitored after treatment
  • Activity may be limited for a short period
  • Follow-up vascular care may be recommended

Risks / Considerations

  • Bleeding or bruising may occur
  • Artery injury or clotting is possible
  • Repeat treatment may be needed over time

Related Treatments / Alternatives

Depending on artery location, plaque type, symptoms, and treatment goals, atherectomy may be considered alongside other vascular procedures or non-surgical treatment options.

Angioplasty

A balloon-based procedure used to open narrowed arteries and improve blood flow.

Vascular Stenting

A small mesh tube may be placed to help keep a treated artery open after narrowing is addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Atherectomy removes or reduces plaque inside the artery, while angioplasty uses a balloon to open a narrowed artery. In some cases, both treatments may be used during the same procedure.
Atherectomy is often used for selected cases of peripheral arterial disease, especially when plaque buildup narrows arteries and limits blood flow to the legs or feet.
Some patients may need a stent, but not everyone does. The decision depends on how the artery responds after plaque treatment and whether additional support is needed to keep the vessel open.
Yes. Atherectomy is usually performed through a small catheter access point rather than a large open incision.
Recovery varies based on the artery treated, access site, procedure complexity, and whether other procedures are performed at the same time. Most patients receive activity and follow-up instructions before going home.
Yes. Artery disease can progress or recur over time. Follow-up care, medication management, smoking cessation, diabetes control, and vascular risk-factor management are important after treatment.

Locations

LVVIS offers evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.

LVVIS West Side Consultation Office

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Consultations and vascular evaluations

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LV2 Limb & Vascular Division

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care

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LVVIS East Procedure Office

2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care

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LVVIS West Side Surgical Center

6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Advanced vascular and interventional procedures

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