Regional experts in the removal of plaque from the arteries
This is a minimally invasive procedure we use to open arteries blocked with plaque, which is made up of cholesterol, calcium, and fatty substances.
The experts in our Interventional Cardiology Program staff cardiac catheterization labs 24/7, meaning you can get treatment close to home at any time. We’re one of the region’s highest-volume centers for atherectomy, and we continually research and develop new techniques in plaque removal.
This procedure may be performed on its own or before an angioplasty, in which a balloon is inflated in the artery to reopen it. Your doctor also may place a stent to help keep the artery open.
Artherectomy
Artherectomy is the general term for the group of procedures that open the clogged arteries by grinding or cutting away plaque buildup.
Procedure
This procedure is done in the hospital. We’ll give you medicines to help you relax, but you’ll be awake during the procedure. Depending on which of your arteries is blocked, your doctor will make a small incision in a blood vessel in your arm or groin and insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The catheter will have a cutting tool attached to it.
Your doctor will thread the catheter to the blocked artery and use the cutting tool to remove or destroy the blockage. The procedure takes about 1 hour, and you’ll likely need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. You should be able to resume your normal activities, including exercise and driving, after a few days.
Conditions
Peripheral Artery disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when blood flow to the arms and legs is reduced due to narrowed or blocked arteries.
Tests
Angiogram (Angiography)
An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.
Arterial Duplex Ultrasound for Arms and Legs
Arterial duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Itshac Ben-Dor, MD
Valvular Disease Cardiology, Structural Heart Disease Cardiology & Interventional Cardiology
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Eric S. Ginsberg, MD
Interventional Cardiology
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Hayder Dhafir Hashim, MD
Interventional Cardiology
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Scott Michael Katzen, MD
Interventional Cardiology
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Oluwabunmi Oluwayinka, BSN, FNP, MSN
Interventional Cardiology
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David B. Peichert, MD
Interventional Cardiology
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Emidio Puliti, FNP, MSN
Interventional Cardiology
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Sonia Samtani, MD
Interventional Cardiology & Cardiology
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Lowell F. Satler, MD
Valvular Disease Cardiology, Structural Heart Disease Cardiology & Interventional Cardiology
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John Chung-Yee Wang, MD
Valvular Disease Cardiology, Structural Heart Disease Cardiology & Interventional Cardiology
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Srinivas Addala, MD
Interventional Cardiology
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Vivek Bahl, MD
Interventional Cardiology
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Terence Richard Bertele, MD
Interventional Cardiology
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Nancy Jo Davenport, MD
Interventional Cardiology
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Shahid Saeed, MD
Interventional Cardiology
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Rajendra Shetty, MD
Interventional Cardiology
Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Health: Interventional Cardiology at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9000 Franklin Square Drive Floor 2 Baltimore, MD 21237
410-554-6534
MedStar Health: Interventional Cardiology at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7501 Surratts Road Ste 306 Clinton, MD 20735
301-877-5680
MedStar Health: Interventional Cardiology at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
201 East University Parkway Baltimore, MD 21218
410-554-6534
MedStar Health: Interventional Cardiology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center - Main Hospital
110 Irving Street, NW Suite 4B-1 Washington, DC 20010
202-877-2799
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.