Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) and restore blood flow to narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs, arms, or other peripheral areas of the body. This procedure helps alleviate symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, and difficulty walking due to poor circulation. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our expert cardiologists and interventional radiologists perform Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting procedures using state-of-the-art technology and personalized care.

Procedure Overview:

• Diagnostic Evaluation: Before the procedure, patients undergo diagnostic tests such as angiography or non-invasive imaging to identify the location and severity of arterial blockages.
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area where the catheter is inserted, ensuring patient comfort during the procedure.
• Catheterization: A thin, flexible catheter with a deflated balloon or stent is guided to the site of the blockage through a small incision in the groin or arm artery.
• Angioplasty: The balloon is inflated at the blockage site, compressing the plaque and widening the artery to improve blood flow. This restores circulation to the affected limb and relieves symptoms.
• Stent Placement: In some cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) is inserted at the site of the blockage to keep the artery open and prevent re-narrowing (restenosis) after angioplasty.
• Post-procedure Monitoring: Patients are monitored closely after the procedure for a brief period to ensure stability before discharge.

Benefits of Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting:

• Improved Blood Flow: Opens blocked arteries and restores blood flow to peripheral areas, reducing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and fatigue.
• Enhanced Mobility: Alleviates leg pain, cramping, and difficulty walking, allowing patients to resume normal activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
• Minimally Invasive: Compared to traditional surgery, angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures with shorter recovery times and lower risks of complications.
• Prevents Progression: By addressing arterial blockages promptly, the procedure helps prevent further progression of peripheral artery disease and associated complications like ulcers or limb ischemia.

Recovery and Follow-up:

• Hospital Stay: Most patients can go home the same day or with a short hospital stay following the procedure.
• Activity Restrictions: Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period after the procedure while the artery heals.
• Medication Management: Patients may receive medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and prevent blood clots as part of long-term management.

What is Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting, and how does it help patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting are minimally invasive procedures that open blocked arteries in the legs, arms, or other peripheral areas, restoring blood flow and alleviating symptoms of PAD.

 

Who is a candidate for Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting?

Candidates include individuals with PAD experiencing symptoms like leg pain, cramping, numbness, or difficulty walking due to narrowed or blocked arteries.

 

What are the benefits of this procedure compared to traditional surgery?

Benefits include minimally invasive approach, shorter recovery times, lower risks of complications, and effective relief of symptoms related to peripheral artery disease.

 

Is the procedure painful, and what is the recovery process like?

Local anesthesia is used to numb the area during the procedure, minimizing discomfort. Recovery involves a short hospital stay or same-day discharge, with instructions to resume normal activities gradually.

 

Are there risks or complications associated with Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting?

While generally safe, risks include bleeding, infection, allergic reactions to contrast dye, blood vessel damage, or restenosis (re-narrowing) of the treated artery. Our team takes precautions to minimize these risks.

 

What lifestyle changes or medications are recommended after the procedure?

Patients may need to adopt heart-healthy lifestyle changes, manage risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol, and take medications to prevent blood clots or plaque buildup in arteries.

 

How soon can patients expect symptom relief and improved mobility after Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting?

Many patients experience immediate relief from symptoms like pain or cramping, with improved walking ability and quality of life in the days and weeks following the procedure.

At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our multidisciplinary team collaborates to deliver personalized care, advanced treatments, and ongoing support to patients undergoing Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting, ensuring optimal vascular health and well-being.