| Atherosclerotic plaques can also be removed from the carotid circulation by atherectomy, in which the fatty deposits are carefully removed by a tiny knife inserted into the vessel via a catheter. |
| The study addresses balloons and stents, atherectomy devices, thrombectomy devices, and endovenous ablation. |
| Distal embolic protection wires can also be employed, however, not all embolic capture devices are compatible with all atherectomy devices. |
| Clinical studies are currently underway to investigate whether debulking with laser or other atherectomy devices prior to drug delivery improves patient outcomes. |
