Angioplasty and Stenting for Lower Extremity Vascularization

The Vascular Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, offers comprehensive care for vascular disorders. Our vascular physicians offer advanced treatment options, including angioplasty and stenting to keep the walls of the veins open and blood flow at a more optimal level.

What is Angioplasty and Stenting?

Recent developments in treatment options for vascular disease allow physicians to practice minimally invasive endovascular procedures. These procedures typically offer patients smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays and more rapid recovery with minimal post-procedure pain. Two such procedures are:

• Balloon Angioplasty – a treatment option that allows vascular surgeons to treat diseased vessels from the inside to alleviate vein and artery blockages.
• Stenting – a wire mesh tube that is placed in the vein or artery to secure the walls to allow blood to flow.

How is Angioplasty and Stent Placement performed?

Balloon angioplasty is performed with a thin, flexible tube called a catheter which is inserted in the area obstructed by a blockage. Once inserted, it is inflated (ballooned) to dislodge plaque that has accumulated and blocked the blood flow.

Balloon angioplasty with stent placement begins with the treatment described above. After the angioplasty is completed, a wire meshed tube-like device is inserted into the affected area to help keep the vein open for optimal blood flow.

Both treatments, which are usually done together, require a minimally invasive incision, which may allow for faster recovery than traditional surgery.

Who should receive an Angioplasty?

Patients who have experienced leg swelling or pain and have had confirmation of a blockage with a diagnostic imaging test are typically candidates for angioplasty treatment.