What is Angioplasty or Stenting?

If you have Peripheral Arterial Disease, a condition where plaque in the arteries restricts blood flow to the arms or legs, angioplasty and stenting are non-invasive procedures that effectively treat the narrowed arteries without open surgery. 
Angioplasty widens the narrowed artery by using a flexible catheter inside the artery which inflates a small balloon to reduce the narrowing.  A stent may be placed, which expands at the same time as the balloon, but is then left in place to help keep the artery open.


Understanding your procedure

Before your procedure:

  • You may be asked to fast prior to your procedure.
  • You may be asked to take or avoid certain medications. 

 

On the day of your procedure:

  • When you arrive, please check in with reception. We’ll make sure your details are correct and ask you to complete any appropriate forms. 
  • Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, however you may need to change into a gown and remove jewellery.  
  • The Radiologist will take you to the procedure room and explain what’s going to happen and answer any questions you may have.  

 

During your procedure:

  • The specialist radiologist will help you get comfortable lying face up on the treatment table/bed.
  • You will receive an intravenous injection of a sedative to relax you and avoid any pain, however you will remain awake during the procedure.
  • This procedure is performed under x-ray or ultrasound guidance to ensure that the long, thin angioplasty catheter is inserted in the correct place. 
  • The catheter is inserted via an incision above an artery in your arm or leg then threaded into the narrowed area. 
  • The radiologist will inflate and deflate a small balloon within the blocked artery to widen it and restore proper blood flow. 
  • A stent may be used in the affected area as a permanent support to keep the artery open.

 

After your procedure:

  • You can return home on the same day as your procedure.
  • You will need to rest for at least a full day to allow the insertion site to heal. 
  • Avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity. 
  • If you had a stent inserted you may be prescribed blood thinning medication, typically for a month to a year. 
  • The procedure can be repeated if the artery needs to be treated again.
  • The Interventional Radiologist will provide a full report of the procedure and treatments given back to your referring doctor.

Frequently asked questions

  • Angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive options to treat Peripheral Arterial Disease without open surgery.
  • This procedure has a quick recovery time. You can pursue your usual activities after only one day of rest.

  • Peripheral Arterial Disease is a condition where a build up of plaque in the arteries outside of the heart or brain, restricts blood flow to the arms or legs, preventing oxygen from reaching vital body tissues.
  • Arteries usually carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. When plaques made up of lipids accumulate in the arteries, they may become narrow and stiff, limiting blood flow.
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease can be a painful and debilitating condition.

This procedure is performed by our Interventional Radiologists, who are medical specialists (doctors) who have completed specialist training in this area.

As with any procedure, there are some associated risks with Angioplasty and Stenting. These are rare and include:

  • Reaction to contrast dye used prior to the procedure.
  • A blood clot in the treated artery
  • A ruptured blood vessel
  • Bleeding at the site of insertion
  • Blood pooling in the soft tissue around the affected artery
  • An abnormal connection created between an artery and a vein

Call your GP if you are concerned about infection, have a fever or have excessive pain and swelling.

A support person may accompany you to your appointment but typically cannot enter the scan room.

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