Balloon Angioplasty
Balloon Angioplasty procedure with or without a Stent Procedure
Balloon angioplasty is a technique used to dilate a narrow artery with a balloon catheter. The angioplasty balloon on a tip of the catheter (deflated) is placed across the area of arterial narrowing and then inflated to widen the blood vessel, opening it up and improving blood flow.
Then, the balloon is deflated and removed by pulling the catheter out.
Sometimes a stent is needed in bigger arteries after balloon angioplasty, especially Aorto-iliac and femoral arteries.
When the procedure is done, the catheter is removed, with pressure applied briefly over the hole so that it will seal, meaning no stitches are needed. The patient lays flat for an hour then will be able to go home to resume his normal life (except for driving that day).
How is the angioplasty procedure done?
Angioplasty procedure is done using local anesthesia & sedation only, using a small needle puncture hole, no incisions or suturing needed.
What to Expect after your balloon angioplasty/stent procedure
Angioplasty is not as hard on your body as surgery, and the recovery is faster.
Most patients return to their normal activity same day (except driving), no pain is felt by the patient after the procedure, and patient can ambulate as before surgery.
When do you need Vascular Procedures for PAD?
You should consider the procedure Atherectomy, and / or Balloon Angioplasty (possibly with stent) if:
- Your symptoms are severe enough to limit your lifestyle or your ability to work.
- Simpler treatments, such as exercise and medicine, have not helped.
You have to have the procedure Atherectomy, and / or Balloon Angioplasty possibly with stent procedure urgently, if you have any of these signs:
- Foot pain while you’re resting, especially at night.
- Sores on your toes or feet that do not heal.
- A toe that looks blue or black and may hurt.
When should you see a Vascular Surgeon (Endovascular Doctor, Vascular Doctor)?
- If you feel pain in your legs or feet
- If any cut or sore on your foot does not heal fast
