Which term means removal of the fatty plaque?

• A. Atherectomy
• B. Atherosclerosis
• C. Atrioventricular
• D. Arthrography

Answer: (A)

Removal of fatty plaque from an artery is called atherectomy. Atherectomy uses a catheter-based device to shave, cut away, or otherwise remove atheromatous plaque that narrows or blocks blood vessels, helping restore blood flow. The term itself comes from ather/o meaning plaque and -ectomy meaning removal. This distinguishes it from atherosclerosis, which is the disease process of plaque buildup; from atrioventricular, which relates to the heart’s chambers and conduction, not plaque removal; and from arthrography, which is imaging of joints.