Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive surgery that is prescribed for narrowing or blockage of arteries and veins. It is performed endovascularly. Through a small puncture, a thin catheter with microsurgical instruments is inserted into the vessel, with the help of which its lumen is expanded and normal blood flow is restored. Often, mechanical endarterectomy is performed at the same time - atherosclerotic deposits are removed and/or stenting is performed - a thin mesh stent is installed to support the vessel walls. Since the operation is minimally invasive, the patient can leave the clinic the next day.

At Oxford Medical, angioplasty is performed in a high-tech surgical hospital. Expert-class equipment allows for accurate diagnostics and operations of any complexity. Thanks to this, as well as the high professionalism of surgeons, each patient receives medical care in accordance with European standards.

These complications can be caused by atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and some other diseases. If the above symptoms appear, you should consult a vascular surgeon for diagnosis and treatment.

Angioplasty may also be prescribed for narrowing of the carotid, renal or coronary arteries.

Angioplasty is performed both on an urgent and a planned basis. In the first case, preparation is minimal. The patient is given an ECG and basic preoperative tests, after which angiography is immediately performed - an X-ray examination using a contrast agent, which is injected into the vessel through a catheter. After examining the vascular bed and identifying the narrowing, angioplasty is immediately performed.

If the operation is not urgent, the following may be prescribed at the diagnostic stage:

• Doppler ultrasound of the vessels;
• CT angiography;
• electrocardiography (ECG);
• echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart);
• blood tests and other examinations as indicated.

In the presence of chronic diseases, it is also necessary to consult with specialized specialists and an anesthesiologist.

A few days before the operation, the patient is recommended to abandon the use of alcoholic beverages and switch to a light diet. Drug treatment may also be adjusted. It is important to consult a vascular surgeon in advance and follow all his or her instructions.

Angioplasty is performed endovascularly. This is a minimally invasive technique that involves performing all manipulations using a catheter and microsurgical instruments. They are inserted into the vessel through a small puncture.

The first stage is angiography - a diagnostic procedure that allows you to determine the exact location and degree of narrowing of the vessel. For better visualization, a contrast agent is injected through the catheter.

Then angioplasty is performed directly. The vessel is expanded using an inflated balloon or another method. If the cause of the narrowing is atherosclerosis, endarterectomy is also performed - removal of atherosclerotic plaques.

If necessary, to strengthen the walls of the vessel to prevent recurrence of the disease, a stent is installed in it - a thin mesh frame on a metal base.

After completing all manipulations, the surgeon checks the blood circulation, removes all instruments, sutures the wound and applies a sterile bandage.

The operation is performed mainly under local (spinal) or general (general) anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia method depends on the patient's health condition and the complexity of the upcoming operation.

After the operation, the patient is prescribed bed rest for 12-18 hours, and a tight bandage is applied to the puncture site of the vessel. This is necessary for successful wound healing.

The next morning, the vascular surgeon examines the patient and, if he feels well, can discharge him from the hospital. In the case of a more complex operation, hospitalization for 3 days may be required.

After discharge, the patient is recommended to:

• take the medications prescribed by the doctor;
• avoid heavy physical exertion, visiting the pool, bathhouse or sauna, and not take a hot bath;
• give up drinking alcoholic beverages;
• keep your legs slightly elevated when lying down;
• wear compression hosiery (as prescribed by the doctor);
• be examined by a vascular surgeon every 3-6 months.

Complications after angioplasty are extremely rare. This is a minimally invasive operation that is performed without incisions through a puncture. With proper preparation, the use of high-quality equipment and the high professionalism of the vascular surgeon, the risks are minimal.

Potential complications include severe blood loss, the development of a hematoma at the puncture site, and stroke. In the event of acute conditions in patients, Oxford Medical has intensive care units equipped with equipment to monitor and support vital body functions.

To minimize risks, before angioplasty, the patient undergoes a comprehensive examination and studies his medical history. The operation may be contraindicated in cases of blood clotting disorders, diffuse vascular stenosis, endocarditis, allergy to contrast media, and some other conditions.

The vascular surgery department of «Oxford Medical» has installed new high-precision equipment that allows for endovascular and open surgeries of any complexity. The clinic's surgeons have the highest medical category and over 20 years of experience. Many have undergone training and internships with foreign experts.

The cost of angioplasty depends on several factors:

• complexity of the operation;

• need for simultaneous endarterectomy or stenting.

You can find out the prices for surgical treatment of vascular diseases at «Oxford Medical» here. But each case is individual, so only a surgeon can give a more accurate estimate of the cost of treatment, having previously studied the results of the diagnosis and medical history.