Blocked or narrowed arteries can restrict blood flow and lead to serious health problems, including leg pain, non-healing wounds, stroke, or heart attack. Balloon angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures designed to restore circulation and reduce these risks. At Vascular Surgery Associates, our board-certified vascular specialists in Los Angeles and Santa Monica use state-of-the-art techniques to safely and effectively treat arterial blockages.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients have about this procedure.
When Is Balloon Angioplasty Recommended?
Balloon angioplasty is often recommended for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) or other forms of arterial narrowing caused by atherosclerosis. PAD affects an estimated 8 to 12 million people in the United States and becomes more common with age.
You may be a candidate for angioplasty if you experience:
- Leg pain while walking (claudication)
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Slow-healing foot wounds
- Reduced blood flow seen on imaging tests
Angioplasty may also be recommended if lifestyle changes and medications have not adequately improved symptoms.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Balloon angioplasty is typically performed through a small incision in the groin or arm. A thin catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the site of the blockage using imaging guidance.
Once in position, a small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to widen the narrowed artery. This helps compress plaque against the arterial wall and improve blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
The procedure usually takes one to two hours and is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation.
When Is a Stent Needed?
In many cases, a stent is placed during angioplasty. A stent is a small mesh tube that acts as a scaffold to keep the artery open after the balloon is removed.
Stenting may be recommended if:
- The artery has significant plaque buildup
- The vessel collapses or narrows again after balloon inflation
- There is a higher risk of re-narrowing (restenosis)
Studies show that adding a stent can improve long-term vessel patency in certain patients. However, the decision to place a stent depends on the location and severity of the blockage.
Will I Need Blood Thinners?
After angioplasty and stenting, most patients are prescribed antiplatelet medications, often referred to as blood thinners. These medications help prevent clot formation within the treated artery or stent.
The duration of blood thinner therapy varies based on the individual case and type of stent used. Your vascular specialist will provide detailed guidance tailored to your health history.
What Is Recovery Like?
One of the advantages of balloon angioplasty and stenting is the relatively short recovery time. Many patients go home the same day or after an overnight observation.
You may experience mild soreness at the catheter insertion site for a few days. Most individuals can resume light activities within a few days and return to normal routines shortly afterward.
Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive angioplasty is associated with less pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery.
A Safe and Effective Solution
Clinical data indicate that angioplasty and stenting significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for many patients with arterial blockages. Early intervention can reduce complications and help restore mobility.
At Vascular Surgery Associates, our experienced vascular team in Santa Monica and Los Angeles is committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care. If you have symptoms of poor circulation or have been diagnosed with arterial disease, schedule a consultation to learn whether balloon angioplasty and stenting may be right for you.
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