What is an Angioplasty Procedure?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that narrows or blocks the arteries in the legs, reducing blood flow. This reduced circulation can lead to symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, non-healing wounds, and, in severe cases, even limb loss.

At American Endovascular, we specialize in treating PAD using minimally invasive procedures. One of the most effective treatments we offer is angioplasty, which helps restore blood flow and improve mobility. Through the angioplasty procedure, our team assists patients in achieving lasting relief from PAD symptoms, allowing them to regain the freedom to lead more active and fulfilling lives.

Who are the Ideal Candidates for Angioplasty?

Ideal candidates for angioplasty for peripheral artery disease typically include people who have been diagnosed with PAD, who have not responded to lifestyle changes for managing PAD, prefer a less invasive procedure compared to traditional surgery, and experience the following symptoms.

• Chronic leg pain and rest pain 
• Cramping in your calf muscles
• Changes in the color of your legs
• Leg numbness, tingling, or weakness 
• Limitations to your daily activities 
• Pain or burning in the calves or feet without activity
• Wounds or legs on your foot or toes that won’t heal

Does Angioplasty Help Treat PAD?

Angioplasty treats atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque inside the arteries, which is the primary cause of PAD. Its goal is to restore proper blood flow to the legs by clearing blockages or narrowing arteries. When plaque builds up, it restricts blood flow, leading to pain, numbness, and cramping symptoms. Angioplasty addresses these blockages directly, either by using a balloon to widen the artery or by inserting a stent to keep the artery open. 

Benefits of Angioplasty

Angioplasty offers numerous benefits for patients with narrowed or blocked arteries, particularly those with peripheral artery disease.

1. Improved Blood Flow

Angioplasty helps reopen narrowed or blocked arteries, significantly improving blood circulation to the affected limbs. This enhanced blood flow is crucial for overall health and function.

2. Relief from Symptoms

Many patients with PAD experience symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, and fatigue during physical activity. Angioplasty alleviates these symptoms, allowing patients to engage in daily activities without discomfort.

3. Enhanced Quality of Life

Angioplasty can improve overall quality of life by reducing pain and improving mobility. Patients often find they can participate more fully in recreational activities and daily tasks.

4. Minimally Invasive 

Compared to traditional surgical options, angioplasty is less invasive. This means smaller incisions, reduced pain, and a lower risk of complications.

5. No Hospital Stay

Unlike traditional surgery, angioplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to recover in the comfort of your own home instead of staying overnight in the hospital. 

5. Shorter Recovery Time

Patients typically experience quicker recovery times after angioplasty, often returning to normal activities within a few days. This is beneficial for those who may have busy lives or work commitments.

6. Reduced Risk of Complications

By addressing blockages in the arteries, angioplasty can help prevent more severe complications associated with PAD, such as critical limb ischemia, heart attack, or stroke.

7. Potential for Long-Term Solutions

In some cases, angioplasty may be coupled with the placement of a stent to keep the artery open, providing a longer-lasting solution to arterial blockages.

What to Expect From the Angioplasty Procedure

Here’s what you can expect at each stage of the angioplasty procedure—from preparation to recovery.

Before the Procedure

1. Medical Assessment:

Your doctor will perform diagnostic tests such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI), ultrasound, CT angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to determine the extent of the blockage.

2. Family & Medical History Review:

Your doctor will review your family history and medical history, including current medications and allergies to medications or contrast dye. 

3. Medication Review:

You may be asked to stop certain medications (like blood thinners) or adjust dosages.

4. Fasting:

You’ll need to fast overnight before the procedure, especially if sedation or anesthesia is planned.

5. Transportation:

Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the outpatient center, as patients typically return home the same day. 

During the Procedure

Angioplasty for PAD typically takes 1-2 hours and is performed by an interventional radiologist. Here’s what happens:

1. Local  Anesthesia:

Local anesthesia is used to numb the insertion site (often in the groin or arm). Moderate sedation may be administered by qualified staff via an intravenous line.

2. Catheter Insertion:

A thin catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the blocked artery using X-ray imaging. 

3. Balloon Inflation:

A small balloon at the catheter’s tip is inflated at the site of the blockage, compressing plaque against the artery walls to widen the vessel.

4. Stent Placement (if necessary):

In some cases, a stent may be placed to keep the artery open and prevent re-narrowing. Drug-eluting stents, coated with medication, are sometimes used to reduce the risk of future blockages.

5. Image Test

Doctors will then use an angiogram, an X-ray image of your blood vessels, to assess the procedure’s overall effectiveness and determine the improvements in blood flow.

After the Procedure

After an angioplasty, you can expect the following during your recovery period. 

1. Recovery Area:

You’ll be moved to a recovery area where medical staff will monitor your vital signs, and pressure will be applied to the catheter insertion site to prevent bleeding.

2. Go Home the Same Day:

Most patients go home the same day and can recover at home without spending the night in a hospital.

3. Medications:

Your doctor may prescribe antiplatelet medications (e.g., aspirin or clopidogrel) to prevent blood clots. You should also continue managing your PAD with prescribed medications for cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.

4. Activity Restrictions:

Rest for the first 24-48 hours when you recover at home, and avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks. Also, follow your doctor’s guidelines for walking and light exercise, which are important for circulation.

5. Follow Up Appointments

Your doctors will monitor your recovery and provide you with specific care instructions. They will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery. 

Choose American Endovascular for Your Angioplasty

At American Endovascular, we specialize in angioplasty procedures to treat peripheral artery disease. Our affiliated vascular specialists in New York and New Jersey are interventional radiologists with years of experience performing minimally invasive procedures to help patients relieve their symptoms and improve their circulation. Call us or schedule an appointment today to see if an angioplasty procedure is right for you.