1. The removal of plaque from an artery by means of a tiny rotating cutting blade inserted through a catheter.
2. A procedure for opening up an artery by removing the plaque (atheroma) produced by the build-up of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the inner lining of the artery from atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries.

"Atherectomy is usually done in major arteries; such as, the coronary arteries within the heart muscle and the carotid and vertebral arteries leading up to the head and brain that have experienced the occlusive effects of atherosclerosis."