Although coronary atherectomy refers only to a procedure performed in the coronary arteries, an atherectomy can be performed to remove plaque in other blood vessels.

For example, the peripheral arteries (leading to the arms and legs) are highly susceptible to plaque and calcification. In this case, a special type of atherectomy called a peripheral atherectomy may be recommended. In this procedure, directional coronary atherectomy is typically performed to disintegrate the plaque, which is then flushed through the bloodstream. A balloon angioplasty and/or stenting procedure may also be performed.