Peripheral Angioplasty – Dr. Bhavin L. Ram

What is Peripheral Ischemia?

Peripheral Ischemia is a lack of circulation of blood to any part of our body but if there’s a lack of circulation to the heart it is called a heart attack. Similarly, if there’s a lack of circulation to the hand or limbs then it is called Peripheral Ischemia. 

What is Endovascular treatment?

Endovascular treatment is minimally invasive surgery to remove the blockages in the arteries of our body, which can be done with a small hole in the artery. That’s why it is called endovascular treatment.

What is Peripheral Angioplasty?

Peripheral angioplasty is a procedure done to remove the blockages in the artery. It is one part of the endovascular treatment. 

Where is Peripheral Angioplasty used?

It is used for all peripheral ischemia where there is a lack of circulation because of the blockages in the artery. We can do peripheral angioplasty to improve blood circulation.

What kind of diseases can be treated with Peripheral Angioplasty?

Peripheral angioplasty can be used for each and every disease where we find any blockages in the blood circulation and it can also avoid major surgeries.

How is Peripheral Angioplasty done? 

Peripheral angioplasty is done with a small hole done in the main artery where the blockages are there. We put a small pipe into the artery and through that, we pass the wire and balloon. With the help of that, we open the blockages and restore blood circulation. 

What are the advantages of it over Conventional surgical treatment?

Endovascular treatment of peripheral angioplasty can be done with a small hole only; it doesn’t require any major anaesthesia. It is normally done under local anaesthesia, because of which stay in the hospital is very much reduced. In conventional bypass surgery, it requires 6-8 days of hospital stay and after that also it takes 2-3 weeks time for recovery. While in peripheral angioplasty it requires hardly 1 or 2 days of hospital stay and the next day onwards patients can be comfortable doing a lot of activities. Hence, this is a major advantage. 

Another thing is, it is done with a small hole only and that’s why the patient will not be having any residual pain or anything after the procedure. Immediately after the procedure, the patient will be completely normal.    

Is Peripheral Angioplasty a painful procedure?

As mentioned earlier peripheral angioplasty is done under local anaesthesia and the majority of the patients don’t have any pain after the procedure. 

So it is safe to say that it is a painless procedure.

In conclusion, I’d like to say, despite the ongoing difficult pandemic, peripheral angioplasty can be a blessing as you do not require to stay longer in the hospital as the recovery is very fast. Within 2 days patients can walk and carry on with their daily activities.