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.