About P.A.D.: Special Treatments for P.A.D.: Endovascular Procedures
Endovascular Procedures:
Endovascular Procedures
When a procedure is done inside a blood vessel or artery, it is called an endovascular procedure. In this type of procedure, a long thin plastic tube called a catheter is placed inside the artery. Using x-ray pictures as a guide, the doctor inserts the catheter into an artery through a small puncture in the groin about the size of a pencil tip.
Endovascular procedures are performed in a hospital or outpatient center by doctors with special training. Two common endovascular procedures are balloon angioplasty and stenting.
Balloon Angioplasty
To open a narrowed artery, the doctor performs
a balloon angioplasty. A catheter with a very
small balloon on its tip is placed in the artery
and is threaded to reach the narrowed or
blocked artery. The doctor then inflates the
balloon inside the artery, pushing the plaque
that has built up against the artery walls. The
doctor inflates (blows up) and deflates (lets the
air out) the balloon several times to push away
the plaque and open the artery. Once the
artery is opened, the doctor lets the air out of
the balloon and removes it.
Stenting
Sometimes, the angioplasty is not enough to
restore blood flow in the legs. In this case, the
doctor may recommend placing a stent in the
artery. A stent is a small, flexible wire mesh
tube that is placed inside an artery and is
intended to keep the blood vessel open. Over
time, the healthy lining of the artery will grow
over the stent, making it a part of the artery
wall.
What happens after an endovascular procedure?
After an endovascular procedure, you will need to lie flat for several hours without moving the leg that was treated to prevent bleeding from the puncture site. Many patients are able to return home the same day of the procedure.
After endovascular treatment, most people with P.A.D. return to their daily routine and a more active and independent life within a few days. To keep your legs healthy, it is very important to make the lifestyle changes and take the medicines needed to control your heart disease risk factors.
What kind of doctor performs endovascular procedures for people with P.A.D.?
There are several types of doctors who perform endovascular procedures.
These include:
- Surgeons: vascular surgeons with special endovascular training
- Radiologists: interventional radiologists and interventional neuroradiologists
- Internal Medicine doctors: interventional cardiologists and vascular medicine specialists
Ask your health care provider to refer you to the best doctor to meet your needs.
