Artherectomy
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Device lets doctors see inside arteries to treat blockage
One of the best treatments for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherectomy, where doctors use a cathetar to gouge out plaque inside blood vessels. The problem is that so far, doctors have only had X-rays and their own sense of touch to guide the delicate tools, and a wrong move can damage a blood vessel. However, the FDA has just approved a new type of atherectomy device from a company called Avinger that will help surgeons to literally see inside blood vessels. The "Pantheris" has a built-in camera that lets doctors image arteries in real-time, then use the device to shave away plaque with more precision than ever before.
