Atherosclerosis
What Is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a condition associated with patients diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD), where arterial plaque consisting of cholesterol, fats, calcium, cellular waste, and fibrin (a clotting material in the blood) can build up and lead to a narrowing or blockage of arteries, restricting blood flow.
Arteries can then become less flexible and rupture, resulting in blood clots that may cause complications including heart attack, stroke, or other serious health problems..
What Causes Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis often develops as the result of an unhealthy lifestyle or genetic factors including:
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Constantly elevated pressure can damage the inner lining of your arteries (called the endothelium), making it easier for cholesterol and other substances to build up and form plaque.
High Cholesterol – High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) in the blood can stick to artery walls, forming plaque that narrows and hardens the arteries over time.
Unhealthy Diet and Obesity – Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and refined sugars cause excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, contributing to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and inflammation—all risk factors for arterial plaque development resulting in atherosclerosis.
Diabetes and Insulin Resistance – High blood sugar levels can inflame blood vessels and accelerate the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Lack of Physical Activity – Inactivity is associated with obesity, poor cholesterol levels, and higher blood pressure, increasing the risk of arterial plaque buildup.
Chronic Inflammation – Long-term inflammation in the body, from conditions like autoimmune diseases or infections, can damage arteries and encourage plaque formation.
Smoking – Chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the endothelium (inner lining of the arteries), promoting plaque formation and reducing oxygen in the blood.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Drinking heavily can raise blood pressure and triglyceride levels, both of which increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
Genetics and Family History – A family history of heart disease or high cholesterol can predispose individuals to early and more severe atherosclerosis.
How can atherectomy assist with atherosclerosis?
A minimally invasive medical procedure called an Atherectomy is performed under local anesthesia & sedation or general anesthesia. During the procedure, which is performed using a thin, flexible catheter inserted through a small incision adjacent to the site of the blockage, the arterial plaque buildup is removed from the inside of an artery.
Atherectomy is commonly performed in arteries of the heart (coronary arteries), legs (peripheral arteries), or other areas affected by significant plaque buildup. It’s often used as an alternative or adjunct to angioplasty (where a balloon is used to widen the artery) and stenting.
Atherectomy Is a Safe and Effective treatment
Atherectomy is considered to be an effective, safe procedure when performed under clinical conditions by an experienced specialist, and is particularly effective in treating narrowed or blocked arteries, especially when plaque is hard, calcified, or resistant to balloon angioplasty alone.
The procedure is usually done as a day procedure or may require a short hospital stay.
A short recovery time is common, with most patients returning home within 24 hours depending on the complexity of the procedure and your overall health.
There is a low risk of complications like infection or major bleeding.
Mild soreness or bruising may occur over the next few days, and some light activity may be advised.
Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks of the procedure subject to their doctor’s advice.
Access quality minimally invasive endovascular & open vascular surgical care on the Sunshine Coast.
What to expect when visiting Dr Jill O’Donnell for Atherectomy Treatment
Consultation
Visit one of our Sunshine Coast clinics to discuss your concerns and understand what your history includes. We will discuss your options with you before creating a treatment plan.
Treatment
Atherectomy is a minimally invasive treatment that entails treatment in a hospital setting, lasting approximately 60 minutes, although in some cases the procedure may take up to 2 hours depending on the severity and location of the arterial blockage. Vascular ultrasound is often used on subsequent visits to ensure the affected area is fully treated.
Recovery
Patients may need to rest for a few hours depending on the site of the surgery before being able to walk normally between 12-24 hours later, and resume full activities within 1-2 weeks.
Why choose Dr Jill O’Donnell for Atherectomy treatment
She provides vascular surgical care tailored to your specific condition
Dr O’Donnell has over 10 years of experience, specialising in minimally invasive endovascular & open vascular surgical care.
Communication is important, so you are involved every step of the way
You can choose from a variety of clinics across the Sunshine Coast