59 year old male, smoker, sudden onset of pain and discoloration of the right 3rd toe. Comprehensive workup for an embolic source demonstrated a focal plaque in the popliteal artery. Catheter angiography showed the ulcerated plaque. Directional atherectomy using a SilverHawk atherectomy device was performed. Patients symptoms resolved and at last follow up 2 years later, the patient had no recurrence.