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Why is the doctor performing this procedure?
To open up a peripheral artery that is narrowed or blocked by plaque build-up (Atherosclerosis),
and to structurally support that opening by permanently placing a Metal Stent within the artery.
What is the procedure?
A Stent is a mesh-like metal cylinder. Stent placement is often part of a PTA (Angioplasty) procedure. As in
Angioplasty, a catheter is inserted into an artery - usually in the groin - but sometimes in the arm or wrist. The catheter is advanced to the blocked peripheral artery, and a series of x-ray pictures (angiography) are taken to clearly visualize the artery that is narrowed. Then a balloon-tipped catheter is advanced into the narrowed artery. Inside the artery, the balloon is inflated and deflated several times, compressing the plaque against the artery wall and causing blood flow to improve. This balloon-tipped catheter is removed, and a separate catheter, with a
Stent attached, is advanced to the area that was just opened. The Stent is deployed, expanding into the inner layer of the artery. The catheter is removed, but the Stent stays in place, acting as a scaffold to keep the artery open. The inner lining of the artery will then heal around the
Stent.
X-ray pictures (angiography) are repeated, and if the Stent has been successfully placed, the catheters are removed. Pressure is applied to the puncture site (to stop bleeding) while the patient rests quietly.
Where is the procedure performed?
The procedure is performed by one of our Peripheral Vascular Interventionalists in the Catheterization Lab at a partner hospital.
How long does this procedure take?
Angioplasty with Stent placement usually takes 1-2 hours.
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