An atherectomy system for removing a stenotic lesion from within a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The system comprising an atherectomy device for reducing the lesion and a separate elongate drainage catheter for evacuating from the treated vessel embolic particles released into the vessel from the stenotic lesion during its reduction by the atherectomy device during an atherectomy procedure. The atherectomy device and the separate elongate drainage catheter are each configured for introduction into the patient's vasculature though separate openings in at least one peripheral artery of the patient.