A Minimally Invasive Procedure To Treat Blockages In Arteries
Angioplasty and stent placement is a procedure to treat blockages in the arteries through minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our doctors perform this surgery to improve blood flow to and from the heart, and to reduce the risk of heart attacks. Due to this procedure’s minimally invasive design, patients receive effective vascular surgery with minimal recovery time.
How Are Angioplasties Performed?
Before the surgery, the patient only needs to be placed under local anesthesia and sedation for their comfort. Once sedated, a catheter is inserted into an artery and guided via x-ray through the vascular system to the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.
With the x-rays, your surgeon will identify areas where the blood vessels have narrowed or that show signs of blockage. Then using the catheter, a tiny angioplasty balloon is inflated inside the artery in the area of narrowing. Finally, a small metal sent is placed to keep the blood vessel open, and to maintain healthy blood flow.
How Long Does an Angioplasty Procedure Take?
Typically angioplasty procedures take about two hours to complete.
However, they may sometimes take longer depending on the needs of the patient. Overall, though, you can expect to be released within a few hours after the beginning of your treatment.
Our vascular surgeons perform this procedure on an outpatient basis in VSA’s Vascular Center. Therefore, you will not have to stay overnight in the hospital during the recovery process.
