Peripheral Angioplasty
This is a technique deployed to allow oxygen-rich blood to flow smoothly through the vessel by re-opening those blood vessels. A very useful alternative to open surgical bypass since it asks for a smaller incision, shorter healing period and fewer complications.
Peripheral angioplasty is different because it is a minimally invasive procedure. It is performed in a cardiovascular catheterization lab, with local anesthesia administered to the patient. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm that will supply medication to make the technique as relaxing as possible to the patient.
Using high-quality X-ray the catheter is guided towards the peripheral artery that has a blockage. The balloon is inflated the moment the catheter is in place and the peripheral artery that has contracted will be stretched. The unwanted plaque which caused blockage is pressed towards the walls of the peripheral artery and thereby enlarging the peripheral artery’s diameter. Now the balloon is deflated and removed. As a result of the procedure the blood flowing through the blood vessels increases, supplying blood more efficiently to the heart.
Peripheral Angioplasty – Procedure
During this procedure, a catheter is threaded with a balloon on the end via a small incision in either groin or wrist and gently directs the catheter towards the blockage. Once the catheter is in place, the balloon is then inflated and deflated repeatedly, which flattens the plaque and restores normal blood flow through your artery. In certain cases, as soon as the blood vessel gets widened, a stent is implanted. A stent is a tiny mesh-like wire tube that acts as scaffolding to hold the artery open.
Peripheral Angiogram
A peripheral angiogram is a test that uses X-rays and dye to find narrowed or blocked areas in one or more arteries that supply blood to your legs.
After access is established, catheters (thin tubes) and wires are threaded through the arterial system to a specific area of interest or throughout the entire body. As a contrast agent is injected and X-ray images are taken to let your doctor view the blood flow and identify abnormalities.
Why Peripheral Angiogram is Needed
Peripheral angiogram is used when there is reason to believe that blood is not flowing well in the arteries leading to your legs or, in rare cases, to your arms. The angiogram helps if a surgical procedure, peripheral angioplasty, is needed to open the blocked arteries.