Angioplasty Stenting in Louisville, KY

Angioplasty is a procedure used in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or hardening of the arteries. It treats the arteries supplying blood to the limbs or to organs in the body. It also treats narrow areas in the blood vessels transporting blood from the limbs or organs back to the lungs and heart.

During the procedure, a very small incision or puncture creates an access site. A small balloon, attached to a catheter is inflated and placed inside a blood vessel by a vascular specialist during the procedure. The expansion of the balloon enlarges the blood vessel and increases blood flow. A stent, a small metal mesh tube, to support the wall of the blood vessel and keep it open may also be used. The surgeon uses X-rays to navigate the catheter through the blood vessels until it reaches the blockage.

Angioplasty can be a less invasive alternate to bypass surgery for treatment of narrowed arteries. It is performed with minimal anesthesia, requires almost no incision and results in shortened recovery time. It is important to note, sometimes surgery is the best option for some PAD patients depending on the extent of the condition. Our professional team of vascular surgeons will help determine the right alternative for each individual case.