Systems and methods for treating lipid-related diseases including xanthomas, carotid artery stenosis (CAS), and cerebral atherosclerosis (CA) and their complications use direct visualization or imaging techniques to assess the state of the anatomy at issue. A high density lipoprotein composition is made and administered to a patient in order to treat those lipid-related diseases. The administration is continued for a predetermined time or until certain anatomical changes are observed based on imaging, biomarker, or biopsy analysis.
