A minimally invasive procedure that physically removes hardened plaque from blocked arteries, restoring circulation to your legs without open surgery.
01
A small catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or arm.
02
The specialized atherectomy device is guided to the blocked area.
03
The device removes hardened plaque & calcium buildup from the artery.
04
The artery is opened, allowing healthy blood flow to be restored.

What to expect after Atherectomy.
Most patients go home the same day and return to light activities within a few days.
Rest while your access site is monitored. Go home with a driver.
Take it easy, drink fluids, and check the access site.
Resume light activity. Avoid heavy lifting as directed.
Most patients gradually return to normal daily activities.
Take prescribed medications and keep your follow-up appointments.
How Atherectomy Helps
EXCELLENT Based on 474 reviews Posted on Google David GuzmanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have struggled with severe swelling in one of my legs for years. At one point, it was nearly three times the size of my other leg. After being seen at Heart Vascular and Leg Center, I was prescribed medication, and in just one week, the improvement has been incredible. My leg already looks so much better. The office has also been amazing about getting my testing approved quickly, which has made the whole process much less stressful. I have a follow-up appointment in two weeks, and I can’t wait to thank Gerry personally for the care and attention I have already received. My testing has not even been completed yet, but I have already seen more progress in one week than I did after years of seeking help elsewhere. I am so grateful for the care, professionalism, and efficiency of everyone at this office. I highly recommend Heart Vascular and Leg Center to anyone looking for compassionate providers who truly want to help their patients.,and to top it allll of I was seen same day I reached out,AMAZING OVERALL EXPERIENCEPosted on Google katelynne brewsterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr kumar is an amazing doctor who is willing to take the time to call you personally.Posted on Google Janet GonzalezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I need A Emr on the left knee on my knees Cap my !!!??Posted on Google Jeannette DodgeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Can't praise this office enough, been going to Dr Kumar for years. I have absolutely no complaint just compliments to Dr Kumar and his stuff. It's been at least 15 years, so many years I can't even remember when I started going there. They are not only very professional but all of them are very kind and caring. I always recommend them to family and friends as well strangers sitting in lobbies. JeannettePosted on Google jennifer cacdacTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Places! I love the Staff and Doctor! They take good care of you!Posted on Google Virginia MusgroveTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been going to the Heart Vascular & Leg Center for 13 years. Dr Kumar and Elsita Mathew are the best. The staff is wonderful. The entire team is friendly and compassionate.Posted on Google Trish ToscanoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We saw Phoung, PA today. He was thorough and attentive to our questions. The staff at Heart Vascular and Leg Center that we encountered were friendly and professional. We had a positive experience. Thank you.
No – but they are often performed together. Angioplasty uses a balloon to compress plaque against the artery wall and widen the channel. Atherectomy physically removes the plaque from inside the artery. Atherectomy is typically used when plaque is heavily calcified and too hard for a balloon to compress effectively. In many cases, atherectomy is performed first to clear the artery, followed by angioplasty and stenting to hold it open.
No. Atherectomy at HVLC is performed under local anaesthesia only. The entry site is numbed and you are awake throughout. You can speak to us at any point during the procedure. Sedation may be offered if needed. There is no general anaesthetic, no surgical incision, and no stitches.
How long will I be at the clinic? Can I drive myself home?
Answer: Most patients are at the clinic for 3–4 hours in total, including the procedure and the recovery monitoring period. You cannot drive yourself home – please arrange for someone to collect you. Most patients go home the same afternoon. We will confirm the exact timing when we book your appointment.
The entry site is numbed with local anaesthesia so you should feel very little. During the procedure some patients feel mild pressure or warmth at the site – this is normal. You will not feel the device working inside the artery. If you feel any discomfort at any point, tell us immediately and we will address it. Some soreness at the entry site for 1–2 days after the procedure is common and expected.
Yes. Medicare covers atherectomy for peripheral artery disease when it is medically indicated. Most Medicare Advantage, Medi-Cal, and commercial PPO plans also cover this procedure. Our team verifies your specific coverage before your appointment so there are no surprises at the desk. Call us at 661-324-4100 to check your plan before booking.
Knee Pain & GAE
Knee Pain at Night: Why It Gets Worse When You Stop Moving and What It Could Mean Most people expect joint pain to get worse during activity. Push it too hard, feel it afterward. That logic makes sense. So when knee pain is worst at night, when you are lying still, not putting any weight on it, not doing anything at all, it catches people off guard. Some assume they slept in a bad position. Others take a painkiller and try to push through. What fewer people know is that nighttime knee pain has a specific meaning. It is not random. It is telling you something about what is driving the pain, and it points directly toward a mechanism that standard treatments often miss.
Heart & Vascular Health, PAD & Circulation
What Happens to Your Legs When You Sit All Day. And Why It Matters More Than You Think sitting all day effects on leg circulation poor circulation vascular health Bakersfield Most people know that sitting too much is not great for them. They have heard it enough times. But the conversation usually stays vague, centered around back pain, posture, or burning calories. What gets far less attention is what prolonged sitting does specifically to the blood flow in your legs. And for a significant number of people, particularly those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease, the effects are not just discomfort. They are the early stages of a real vascular problem.
PAD & Circulation
Your Heart Gets a Lot of Attention. Your Leg Arteries Deserve the Same
chronic knee pain management vs treatment what actually helps HVLC Bakersfield
Every February, American Heart Month reminds people to take care of their arteries, watch their cholesterol, check their blood pressure, and protect their cardiovascular health.
Vein Disease & DVT
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a circulatory system problem that occurs in the deep veins of your legs. Anyone who’s developed any stage of vein disease is at risk for developing this potentially life-threatening condition, but knowing your risks will help you get medical treatment at the first sign of trouble.
Knee Pain & GAE
Arthritis Is Not Just About Your Joints. Here Is Why Your Blood Vessels Matter Too And most of the conversation this month follows the same familiar path: cartilage breakdown, joint wear, inflammation, medication, physiotherapy, and eventually surgery.
PAD & Circulation
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a circulatory system problem that occurs in the deep veins of your legs. Anyone who’s developed any stage of vein disease is at risk for developing this potentially life-threatening condition, but knowing your risks will help you get medical treatment at the first sign of trouble.
PAD & Circulation
If your days involve long hours of sitting at a desk or standing on your feet, your legs may be working overtime to keep blood moving. The good news? You don’t need a gym session—or much time—to support healthy circulation. A few simple stretches, like calf raises and ankle circles, can make a noticeable difference in just minutes.
Knee Pain & GAE
GAE vs. Knee Replacement: Understanding Where Genicular Artery Embolization Fits
Not Every Patient With Knee Arthritis Is Ready for Surgery Knee osteoarthritis can progress slowly over years. Some patients manage symptoms with exercise, medication, injections, weight loss, bracing, or physical therapy. Others eventually reach a point where knee replacement becomes the best option.
Mon - Thu
8am - 6pm
Fri
8am - 5pm
Sat - Sun
Closed
Medicare
Medicare
Most PPOs
Same-day appointments often available
5020 Commerce Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309
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