Angioplasty and stenting is a procedure in which a small balloon will be placed on the end of a catheter that is fed into the affected blood vessel through a small cut in the skin. This will put pressure on the plaque blocking the artery, pushing it against the wall of the vessel to allow blood to flow through as normal.
After the artery is reopened, a small metal cage/tube called a stent is inserted in the artery in order to keep the blood vessel open and prevent the buildup of scar tissue.
How to Prepare for Angioplasty and Stenting
- Arrive 2-4 hours before the planned procedure in order for your physician to perform lab tests.
- If you take blood thinners, plan to stop about a week prior to your angioplasty.
- Please inform your physician of any allergies and medication you are currently taking.
What to Expect
- This procedure will take under an hour to complete.
- You will be heavily sedated (twilight anesthesia), but conscious. This will be administrated through an intravenous line in your arm.
- The area of injection will be numbed, and you will not feel anything other than a small amount of pressure when the catheter is first inserted.
- You will be lying on your back throughout the procedure.
- A catheter with a small balloon on the end will be inserted into the affected blood vessel and inflated.
- The stent will hold your artery in place, allowing blood flow to return to normal.
- The incision will be dressed to stop any bleeding. No stitches are required.
What to Expect after Angioplasty and Stenting
- Your interventional radiologist will monitor your blood pressure to make sure the stent is correctly allowing blood through the veins. They will follow up with you before discharge.
- Our team wants to ensure your comfort and improvement after the procedure, and will keep you for observation for 2-6 hours, after which you can return home.
For More Information
For more information on angioplasty and stenting, or to schedule an appointment with an interventional radiologist, please call 847.570.2160.