Angioplasty (not cardiac)
Angioplasty involves:
- Inserting a thin tube (catheter) into the blood vessel (usually via the groin or wrist).
- Navigating to the site of the narrowing/blockage using X-ray guidance.
- Inflating a small balloon at the tip of the catheter to widen the artery.
- Often placing a stent (a tiny mesh tube) to keep the artery open.
With the kind permission of Ziehm Imaging GmbH Nuremberg
With the kind permission of Ziehm Imaging GmbH Nuremberg
Types of Arterial Angioplasty
- Coronary angioplasty - Heart arteries (for angina, heart attack)
- Peripheral angioplasty - Leg arteries (for PAD – peripheral artery disease)
- Renal angioplasty - Kidney arteries (for high blood pressure or kidney disease)
- Carotid angioplasty - Neck arteries (less common; stroke prevention)
Procedure Overview
- Done in a catheter lab (angiography suite).
- Usually under local anaesthesia with mild sedation.
- Procedure lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Contrast dye is used to visualize the arteries (care in kidney disease patients).
- A balloon is inflated for a few seconds to minutes to compress plaque and widen the artery.
- A stent may be deployed in most cases to prevent re-narrowing.
Benefits
- Restores blood flow quickly.
- Reduces symptoms (e.g., chest pain, leg pain, high blood pressure).
- Avoids major surgery.
- Short hospital stay and fast recovery.
Risks and Complications
Most patients do well, but risks include:
- Bleeding or bruising at catheter site
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye
- Blood clots or embolism
- Re-narrowing (restenosis) of the artery
- Damage to artery
- Rarely: heart attack, stroke, or kidney injury
Recovery
- Typically go home the same day or next day.
- Avoid heavy lifting for a few days.
- Medications often prescribed post-procedure:
- Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel)
- Statins, blood pressure control meds
- Lifestyle changes are essential: diet, exercise, smoking cessation.
