Atherectomy is a catheter-based procedure that removes plaque from inside an artery. Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol, calcium, and scar-like tissue that can narrow blood flow. Atherectomy is commonly used in leg arteries and, in selected cases, in heart (coronary) arteries. It is often performed as part of a broader plan to reopen a narrowed or blocked vessel.

EMG stands for electromyography. It is a test that evaluates how muscles and the nerves that control them are working. It is commonly used in spine, neurology, and rehabilitation clinics to investigate symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating pain. EMG is often performed alongside nerve conduction studies to build a clearer picture of nerve function.

Thrombectomy is a procedure to remove a blood clot from a blood vessel. Its goal is to reopen the vessel and restore blood flow to the affected tissue. It is commonly used in urgent vascular conditions, including stroke and some heart and limb artery problems. It may also be used for large clots in veins or the lungs in selected cases.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is an imaging test that estimates bone mineral density. It helps clinicians assess bone strength and fracture risk. It is commonly used in osteoporosis screening and monitoring. It may also be used in spine care planning, especially when surgery or hardware is being considered.

BMS most commonly means **bare-metal stent** in cardiovascular medicine. A BMS is a small, expandable metal mesh tube placed inside an artery to help keep it open. It is most often used during **percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)** for narrowed heart arteries. Clinicians may also discuss BMS when comparing stent options for peripheral (leg) or other arterial disease.

DEXA scan is a medical imaging test that estimates bone mineral density (BMD). It uses two low-dose X-ray energy levels to evaluate how much mineral is in bone. It is commonly used to assess osteoporosis and fracture risk. It is also used in spine and orthopedic settings to support surgical planning and long-term bone health monitoring.

A Bare-Metal Stent is a small metal mesh tube placed inside a narrowed or blocked blood vessel to help keep it open. It is most commonly used in the coronary arteries (the heart’s blood vessels) during a catheter-based procedure. Unlike drug-eluting stents, it does not have a medication coating designed to reduce tissue regrowth. It is a device cardiologists may select based on anatomy, bleeding risk, and the overall clinical situation.

SPECT-CT is a medical imaging test that combines two scans in one session. SPECT shows areas of increased or decreased body activity using a small amount of radiotracer. CT shows detailed anatomy, such as bones and joints, using X-rays. It is commonly used in spine and musculoskeletal care when symptoms and standard imaging do not clearly match.

DES most commonly means **drug-eluting stent** in cardiovascular medicine. A DES is a tiny metal scaffold placed inside an artery to help keep it open. It slowly releases a medication that reduces tissue overgrowth inside the stent. DES is most often used during **coronary angioplasty (PCI)** to treat narrowed heart arteries.

SPECT is a type of nuclear medicine imaging that shows how tissues are functioning, not just what they look like. It stands for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography. It is commonly used in bone, heart, and brain imaging, and it can be helpful in selected spine and joint problems. SPECT is often paired with CT as SPECT/CT to combine functional and anatomic detail.