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Peripheral angioplasty
is a procedure that is performed
to open an artery
that is narrowed or blocked.
It is performed by an interventional
radiologist or a vascular specialist doctor. During this
procedure, your doctor will insert a special type of catheter
into an artery in your groin. This catheter has a small deflated
balloon attached to the leading end. The catheter is slowly
guided by X-ray into the artery that is clogged or blocked.
The deflated balloon is then carefully inflated and deflated
several times. This process of inflation presses the plaque
buildup back against the artery wall and opens the vessel so
blood can flow more freely.
This technique is most often used for blockages in arteries that supply blood to your legs or arms, but sometimes is used for kidney arteries. There may be a role
for angioplasty of the carotid arteries, though blockages of these arteries are most commonly treated surgically.
Once the plaque is pressed back against the artery wall, your doctor may decide to place a device called a stent into the
artery to help keep the artery open. A stent is a small tube-shaped mesh screen that is implanted in the artery permanently at the site of the blockage. It allows
blood to pass freely through it while it helps to keep the plaque from reforming.
Angioplasty is not a painful procedure. However, it does require that you lie still on a table. To help you do this, you will receive medication that will keep you
relaxed and comfortable. When the balloon is inflated, you may briefly experience some discomfort at the site of the blockage. This passes quickly. A peripheral
angioplasty takes about one hour to complete. After this procedure, you will be asked to lay flat for four to six hours in a recovery area.
After angioplasty, one of the important challenges is to keep the blockage from coming back. When it does, the blockage is called restenosis.
You can improve the chances of keeping the artery open by not smoking, eating a low-fat diet, exercising, and by
taking certain medications prescribed by your doctor that have been shown to help prevent restenosis.
If peripheral angioplasty is recommended for you, you will receive more information and instructions at the time the procedure is scheduled.
Copyright ©2005 Michigan Heart & Vascular Institute. All rights reserved.
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