Balloon angioplasty

Balloon angioplasty is an endovascular operation that allows you to solve the problem of vessel narrowing or blockage without incisions and general anesthesia. To do this, a flexible catheter is inserted into the vessel through a small puncture, through which the balloon is passed. The procedure is performed under the control of angiography or X-ray. After the balloon reaches the narrowing point, it is expanded. Thus, the lumen of the vessel increases and normal blood flow is restored through it.

Balloon angioplasty is often combined with stenting - a metal mesh stent is placed inside the vessel, which supports its walls and prevents repeated narrowing. Stenting can be performed both after and before angioplasty. In this case, the expandable balloon provides a tighter fit of the stent to the walls of the artery.

At Oxford Medical, balloon angioplasty is performed in a modern surgical hospital. It is equipped with high-precision equipment that allows for the most accurate examinations and both minimally invasive and open operations on vessels of any complexity. The clinic's surgeons are experienced specialists who have completed training and internships with the best Ukrainian and foreign specialists in vascular surgery.

The advantages of balloon angioplasty include:

• minimally invasive access through a puncture with a diameter of up to 10 mm;
• the possibility of carrying out under local anesthesia;
• lower risk of complications compared to open access operations;
• discharge from the hospital after 1 day;
• quick recovery after surgery.

Balloon angioplasty is most often prescribed for blockage or narrowing of the arteries of the lower extremities, which leads to critical tissue ischemia. The cause may be atherosclerosis obliterans or diabetes mellitus.

If such complaints appear, you should contact a vascular surgeon for diagnosis and treatment.

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

Before balloon angioplasty, the patient is prescribed a comprehensive examination to clarify the diagnosis and exclude contraindications. The following may be prescribed:

• 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 give up drinking alcoholic beverages and switch to a light diet. Correction of drug treatment may also be required. It is important to consult with a vascular surgeon in advance and follow his instructions.

Angioplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia, but general anesthesia is also possible. It all depends on the patient's health.

The first stage of the operation is angiography. This is a diagnostic procedure that allows you to clarify the location and degree of stenosis or occlusion. It is performed using a catheter that is inserted into the vessel through a small puncture, most often in the groin area. A contrast agent is injected into the artery through the catheter, which provides better visualization.

After diagnosis, the surgeon proceeds to angioplasty. He inserts a catheter with a balloon into the artery, brings it to the site of narrowing and expands it. Thus, the lumen of the artery increases and blood flow is restored.

Often the next stage is stenting. To strengthen the walls of the vessel and prevent re-narrowing, a stent is installed. This is a thin metal mesh frame. In some cases, drug-coated stents are used that prevent the development of atherosclerotic deposits.

After the procedure, the surgeon checks blood flow and applies a tight bandage to the wound to prevent bleeding. The patient is soon transferred to the recovery room.

Within 12-18 hours after the operation, the patient is prescribed bed rest. At this time, a tight bandage is applied to prevent bleeding from the puncture site and the development of a hematoma.

The next day, the surgeon examines the patient and, if he feels well, allows him to leave the clinic. In some cases, hospitalization may be 3 days.

After discharge, the patient is recommended to:

• take medications prescribed by the doctor;
• avoid heavy physical exertion, visiting the pool, bathhouse or sauna, do not take a hot bath;
• refrain from 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.

Contraindications to balloon angioplasty may include blood clotting disorders, diffuse vascular stenosis, endocarditis, allergy to contrast medium, and some other conditions.

Due to endovascular access, balloon angioplasty is an operation with a low risk of complications. If all the rules of preoperative preparation are followed, the surgeons are highly professional, and quality equipment and materials are used, the operation is successful in 98% of patients.

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

Oxford Medical has installed new high-precision equipment for angiography and endovascular operations. It provides high-quality visualization and allows the surgeon to perform all manipulations with maximum accuracy. This guarantees high safety and effectiveness of surgical treatment.

Vascular surgeons at Oxford Medical are highly qualified specialists with over 20 years of experience. The success of the operation largely depends on the professionalism of the surgeon, so we approached the formation of the team with maximum responsibility. Our task is to provide patients with high-quality treatment using innovative technologies, as they reduce the risk of complications and facilitate the rehabilitation period.

The cost of balloon angioplasty may vary depending on the diagnosis and other individual characteristics of the patient. In particular, the price may be higher if stenting is performed at the same time. You can find out the cost of surgical treatment at «Oxford Medical» here. A vascular surgeon will provide more detailed information about the price during a preliminary consultation, after evaluating the results of the examinations and studying the medical history.

Make an appointment at a time convenient for you.