Laser atherectomy, a technique that removes plaque from blocked coronary arteries by using a special laser, now is being offered at Verde Valley Medical Center by John Schor, M.D., thoracic and vascular surgeon. In this technique, a thin, flexible catheter with a laser at its tip is inserted into blocked arteries, most often in the legs. When the laser is in position, it emits pulsating beams of ultraviolet light that vaporize the plaque blocking the arteries. This is a relatively new procedure, and VVMC is the only facility north of Phoenix offering the service.

Eighty percent of individuals with blocked arteries can have this procedure done, but the best candidates are those with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce the blood flow to the limbs, most often the legs and feet. The most common symptom is pain and cramping in the calf muscles while walking. Factors that increase the risk of developing PAD include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, advancing age, high cholesterol, obesity, and genetic predisposition, including a family history of PAD.

Laser atherectomy is a minimally invasive technique that avoids major, open vascular surgery and lengthy hospital stays. It is painless, and patients are able to go home the same or next day, immediately returning to normal activities. This procedure may be done again if others arteries block in the future. With open vascular surgery, the options for repeat therapy are more limited.

Other treatments for blocked arteries available at VVMC include angioplasty (balloon repair of a narrowed artery), stent placement (mesh tube inserted into a narrowed artery), and plaque excision atherectomy (using a tiny rotational blade to shave away plaque from inside arteries).

If you think you may be at risk for PAD or would like to find out more about laser atherectomy, please talk to your primary care physician.