Vascular lesions and plaque can be removed using a treatment based on introduction of magnetic nanoparticles into the circulatory system of a patient having such vascular lesions. The particles in an aqueous suspension are injected near the site of the lesion and magnetic forces are used to immobilize the particles in contact with the lesions. An alternating magnetic field or focused electromagnetic energy is then used to heat the particles, thereby destroying the lesion. Following destruction of the lesion, additional populations of magnetic particles having growth factors, anti-inflammatory agents and other medicaments on their surfaces can be localized at the site of the former lesion. These medicated particles accelerate healing at the site.
