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Peripheral Angioplasty
Peripheral Angioplasty is a life-enhancing medical procedure offered by Dr. Gnaneswar Atturu, a renowned specialist in vascular health. This treatment is essential for patients suffering from Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a common circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. PAD often leads to discomfort, and pain while walking, and can severely impact the quality of life. Through Peripheral Angioplasty, Dr. Gnaneswar aims to restore normal blood flow, alleviate pain, and prevent serious complications like leg ulcers or even amputation.
What the Treatment Involves
Peripheral angioplasty involves making small needle punctures, usually in the groin area, to access the affected arteries. A thin tube called a catheter, equipped with a balloon at its tip, is guided through the artery to the blocked area. The balloon is then inflated to open the artery, improving blood flow. In some cases, a stent (a small wire mesh tube) may be placed to keep the artery open.
Benefits and Effectiveness
- Improving blood circulation in the legs.
- Reducing symptoms like pain and cramping during walking.
- Decreasing the risk of leg ulcers or, in severe cases, amputation.
Who Should Consider Peripheral Angioplasty?
- Cramping, tiredness, or pain in the legs or hips while walking or climbing stairs.
- Leg numbness, weakness, or heaviness.
- Coldness or colour change in the lower legs or feet
- Slow-healing sores on feet or legs.
- Change in the colour of the legs.
- Decreased nail and hair growth on the legs.
- Gangrene of toes
Before Your Angioplasty and Stenting Procedure
Preparing for the Procedure
Before undergoing peripheral angioplasty and stenting, Dr Sumit Kapadia and his team will guide you through a thorough preparation process to ensure the best outcomes:
Medical Evaluation: You’ll undergo a detailed medical evaluation, including blood tests, and possibly, an imaging test like an angiogram to assess the condition of your arteries.
Medication Review: Inform Dr. Kapadia about all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications might need to be adjusted or stopped before the procedure.
Fasting: You will likely be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure. This is standard practice for procedures performed under anaesthesia.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable clothes and bring any necessary personal items, as you might stay in the hospital for a short period after the procedure.
What to Expect During Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting
During the Procedure
Understanding what happens during peripheral angioplasty and stenting can help alleviate any anxiety:
Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which means you’ll be awake but the area being worked on will be numb.
Catheter Insertion: A small incision is made, usually in the groin area, through which a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted. Using real-time X-ray images as a guide, the catheter is navigated to the blocked artery.
Angioplasty: Once the catheter reaches the blockage, a small balloon at its tip is inflated. This opens up the artery by pushing the plaque against the artery wall.
Stenting: In many cases, a stent (a small, metal mesh tube) is placed in the opened area to help keep the artery open.
Monitoring: Your vital signs will be closely monitored throughout the procedure. The entire process may take a few hours.
Completion: Once the procedure is completed, the catheter is removed, and pressure is given on the puncture site for 30 minutes. After this, we usually recommend to keep the leg straight for 6 to 8 hours.
Understanding these steps helps in preparing patients for what to expect during the angioplasty and stenting procedure, reducing apprehension and ensuring they are well-informed and comfortable with the process.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from peripheral angioplasty is usually quick. Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a week. Aftercare involves regular follow-up visits, medication for preventing blood clots, and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet.