Atherectomy

Glossary

Atheromatous plaque: An area or lesion inside an artery which can reduce or block blood flow.

Catheterization: The insertion of a hollow tube into a body cavity or conduit to drain off or inject fluids, or for the purpose of examination.

Femoral artery: The main artery that supplies blood to the leg. It is found in the thigh.


Stent: A device placed in a body structure (such as a blood vessel or a duct in the gastrointestinal tract) to provide support and keep the structure open.

Balloon angioplasty: A technique that uses a balloon catheter to open arteries clogged with fatty deposits in the wall.

Echocardiography: A procedure that uses ultrasonic waves directed over the chest wall to obtain a graphic record of the heart's position, motion of the walls, or internal parts such as the valves.