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Peripheral Angioplasty

Talk to your doctor about the risks and complications of angioplasty.

Peripheral angioplasty is a procedure that helps open blockages in peripheral arteries. These vessels carry blood to your lower body and legs.

Before the Procedure

  • Tell your doctor about all medications you take and any allergies you may have.

  • Don’t eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.

  • Arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home.

During the Procedure

  • You may get medication through an IV (intravenous) line to relax you. After an injection numbs the site, a tiny skin incision is made near an artery in your groin.

  • Your doctor inserts a catheter (thin tube) through the incision (insertion site), then threads it into an artery while viewing a video monitor.

  • Contrast “dye” is injected into the catheter. X-rays are taken (angiography).

  • A tiny balloon is pushed through the catheter to the blockage. Your doctor inflates and deflates the balloon a few times to compress the plaque. A stent (small metal or mesh tube) may be placed to help keep your artery open. The balloon and catheter are then removed.

After the Procedure

You’ll be taken to a recovery area. Pressure is applied to the insertion site for about 15 minutes. You will need to keep your leg still and straight for a few hours. You will go home that day or spend the night in the facility. You will be instructed what to do when you go home.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • You notice a lump or bleeding at the site where the catheter was inserted.

  • You feel pain at the insertion site.

  • You become lightheaded or dizzy.

  • You have leg pain or numbness.

Catheter in artery
A balloon is inserted

Catheter in artery
The balloon is inflated

Catheter in artery
Blood flow is improved

Publication Source: Belkin MD, Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 18th ed., Chapter 66 - Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease, 2008, pp 1952-1953
Publication Source: Belkin MD, Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 18th ed., Chapter 66 - Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease, 2008, pp 393
Online Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/angioplasty/HQ00485
Online Medical Reviewer: Braunstein, Joel MD
Date Last Reviewed: 10/21/2004
Date Last Modified: 7/9/2002