How long does it take to remove plaque from your arteries?

How Long Does It Take to Remove Plaque From Your Arteries?

When plaque builds up in your arteries, restricting blood flow, a procedure known as atherectomy may be recommended by your doctor. This isn't a gradual process like diet and exercise—it's a targeted intervention designed to physically remove the blockage.

The actual procedure takes about one hour, during which your doctor threads a thin catheter through a blood vessel, often in the groin or wrist, to reach the blocked artery. Once in place, a special cutting tool at the tip of the catheter shaves away or breaks up the plaque, clearing the path for better blood flow. In many cases, a stent may also be placed to keep the artery open.

While the surgery itself is relatively quick, recovery takes a bit longer. Most patients are required to stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring. This allows medical staff to check for complications like bleeding or irregular heart rhythms and ensure the body is responding well post-procedure.

It's important to understand that while atherectomy removes existing plaque, it doesn’t cure the underlying condition—like atherosclerosis. That’s why doctors often pair the procedure with long-term lifestyle changes: a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and medications like statins to prevent future buildup.

So while the physical removal of plaque takes just an hour, the real work happens afterward. Lasting heart health depends on consistent effort beyond the operating room. Think of the procedure as a reset—not a permanent fix.