The Ed Dardanell Heart & Vascular Center at West Penn Hospital - Forbes Regional Campus
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Peripheral Angioplasty & Stents

Peripheral angioplasty is a procedure that helps open blockages in peripheral arteries. These vessels carry blood to your lower body and legs. This restores blood flow to the limb and helps relieve symptoms. In some cases, a metal mesh tube called a stent may then be placed into the artery to hold the artery open.

During the Procedure

  • You may get medication through an IV (intravenous) line to relax you. After an injection numbs the site, a tiny skin incision is made near an artery in your groin.

  • Your doctor inserts a catheter (thin tube) through the incision (insertion site), then threads it into an artery while viewing a video monitor.

  • Contrast "dye" is injected into the catheter. X-rays are taken (angiography).

  • A tiny balloon is pushed through the catheter to the blockage. Your doctor inflates and deflates the balloon a few times to compress the plaque. A stent (small metal or mesh tube) may be placed to help keep your artery open. The balloon and catheter are then removed.

  • Sometimes the artery won't stay open after the angioplasty. In this case, a stent is needed. A catheter with a stent attached is threaded through the artery. When the stent is in the right position, it is opened.

  • When the procedure is done, all catheters and balloons are removed. The stent remains in place. Pressure is put on the insertion site for 15 minutes to stop bleeding.

After the Procedure

You'll be taken to a recovery area. Pressure is applied to the insertion site for about 15 minutes. You will need to keep your leg still and straight for a few hours. You will go home that day or spend the night in the facility. You will be instructed what to do when you go home. You may need to take aspirin or anticoagulant medication after the procedure to help prevent blood clots in the stent. Talk to your doctor about this.


Information from Krames Online. For more information, log onto http://www.forbesregional.kramesonline.com.