Peripheral Vascular Disease Angioplasty and Stenting

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a condition in which the blood vessels become blocked or narrowed, which can affect the way that blood flows through the body. It can affect the blood vessels of the legs and arms, as well as organs of the abdomen, like the stomach and kidneys.

The objective of angioplasty and stenting is to restore proper blood flow through arteries or veins that have become blocked or narrowed, and are therefore experiencing a decrease in blood flow with symptoms such a pain, fatigue.

What to Expect During Peripheral Vascular Disease Angioplasty and Stenting

Before the procedure begins we use ultrasound imaging to locate the blockage or narrowed part of the blood vessel. Then a tiny incision is made over the area and a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the affected blood vessel and carefully guided to the blocked area. The catheter will have a small balloon attached to the end, which will be inflated to open the blockage.

The balloon will be kept inflated for few minutes and if the blood vessel continues to collapse, a stent will be placed into the blood vessel that will keep it permanently open.

Benefits of Peripheral Vascular Disease Angioplasty and Stenting

Minimally invasive angioplasty and stenting for peripheral vascular disease offer patients numerous benefits, including:

• Smaller incisions
• Faster recovery time
• Lower risk of complications
• Local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, so patients can go home the same day.