Treatment

Peripheral Angioplasty

Angiographic comparison before and after stent implantation demonstrates successful restoration of blood flow

Restoring Blood Flow, Renewing Lives: A Guide to Peripheral Angioplasty, Atherectomy, and Stenting

Mr. Tan loved his morning walks around the neighborhood park. But lately, every few hundred steps brought a burning pain in his calves. He’d stop to rest, the pain would fade, and he’d carry on—until it returned again. Friends told him it was just part of getting older. But deep down, he knew something wasn’t right.

When Mr. Tan came to our clinic, we diagnosed him with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)—a condition where narrowed leg arteries reduce blood flow, especially during activity. It’s a silent condition that affects many but often goes undetected until symptoms limit everyday life.

In his case, we performed a minimally invasive peripheral angioplasty with stent placement to reopen the blocked artery. The result? Restored circulation, pain-free walking, and a return to his daily routine—without the fear of worsening symptoms.

What Are Peripheral Angioplasty, Atherectomy, and Stenting?

Together, these techniques form a powerful trio to combat arterial blockages:

• Peripheral Angioplasty opens narrowed arteries—usually in the legs, arms, or kidneys—by inserting a tiny balloon through a catheter and inflating it at the blockage site.
• Atherectomy is used when arteries are heavily calcified. A specialized device carefully removes hardened plaque, making angioplasty more effective.
• Stenting involves placing a small mesh tube inside the artery to keep it open, preventing re-narrowing (a process called restenosis) and ensuring long-term blood flow.

Each procedure is minimally invasive and typically done in a single session, often on an outpatient basis. Patients usually return home the same day with little downtime.

When Are These Procedures Recommended?

You may be a candidate for angioplasty, atherectomy, or stenting if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• You experience leg pain, cramping, or fatigue while walking (claudication).
• You have non-healing ulcers or wounds on your legs or feet.
• Imaging tests like ultrasound or angiography show narrowed arteries.
• You’re at risk of tissue damage or amputation due to poor circulation.
• You are in generally good health and can undergo minimally invasive vascular treatment.

If you've tried lifestyle changes and medications without relief, it's time to consider a more direct, targeted approach.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Your journey begins in a modern catheterization lab, where local anesthesia is applied. A thin catheter is guided through a small incision, usually in the groin, to reach the affected artery. Depending on the situation:

• Angioplasty inflates a balloon to open the artery.
• Atherectomy clears hardened plaque.
• A stent may be placed to hold the artery open permanently.

The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Afterward, we monitor you for a few hours. Most patients report mild soreness at the incision site, and recovery is often quick.

We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions, prescribe medications to reduce clot risk, and guide you on how to protect your vascular health long-term.

Benefits of Peripheral Angioplasty, Atherectomy, and Stenting

✅ Minimally Invasive – Small incisions, low risk, and short recovery time.

✅ Improved Circulation – Relief from leg pain, fatigue, and wound healing.

✅ Durable Results – Stenting and plaque removal enhance long-term success.

✅ Outpatient Comfort – Most patients return home the same day.

Are There Risks?

While generally safe, risks include:

• Bleeding or hematoma at the catheter site.
• Arterial injury (rare).
• Restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery).
• Blood clots or allergic reaction to contrast dye.
• Infection, though rare with proper care.

We take every precaution to minimize these risks and personalize each treatment to your health profile.