Angioplasty & Stenting
Minimally invasive procedure to open narrowed arteries
What is it?
Angioplasty is a procedure used to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries. A catheter with a small balloon at its tip is inserted into the artery and inflated to compress the plaque. A stent (small mesh tube) may then be placed to keep the artery open.
Why is it done?
Performed to restore blood flow in arteries blocked by atherosclerosis, treating conditions such as PAD, renal artery stenosis, carotid disease, and coronary artery disease.
How is it performed?
A small incision is made in the groin, arm, or wrist to access an artery. A catheter is guided through blood vessels to the blockage using X-ray imaging. The balloon is inflated, and a stent may be deployed. The procedure typically takes 1-3 hours.
What to Expect
- No eating or drinking for 6-8 hours before
- Blood thinners may be prescribed
- Shaving of the access site area
- Local anesthesia with mild sedation
- Lying still on X-ray table
- Brief sensation of warmth or pressure
- Hospital stay of 1-2 days typically
- Bed rest for several hours after
- Return to normal activities within 1 week
Recovery
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week. Heavy lifting should be avoided for 2 weeks. Follow-up imaging at 1 and 6 months.