Peripheral Artery Angioplasty and Stenting

This is a treatment for peripheral artery disease in the legs. It improves blood flow through an artery clogged with plaque.

Preparation

To begin, we give you medicine to make you feel relaxed. To get to the clogged artery, we often go in through an artery in your groin. First we numb that area. We make a small opening in this artery and protect it with a sheath.

Inserting the Catheter

Then, we push a catheter into the artery. With the help of a video x-ray device called a "fluoroscope," we guide the catheter to the narrowed area. We inject a contrast material through the catheter to give us a better view.

Angioplasty

Then, we push a balloon-tipped catheter to the narrowed area. Once the balloon is in the narrowed area, we inflate it. This presses against the plaque and widens the artery.

Stenting

If your artery is at risk for narrowing again, we place a stent inside it. The stent is a small mesh tube that expands. It holds open the walls of your artery. It stays in your artery permanently.

End of Procedure

When the procedure is done, we remove the catheter and sheath. A small bandage is placed on your skin. You're watched in a recovery room as the medicine wears off. Follow your care plan for a safe recovery.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.