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Angioplasty

Learn about angioplasty procedures at AVV.

WHAT IS AN ANGIOPLASTY PROCEDURE?

Angioplasty is a medical procedure performed by vascular specialists like Dr. Tahara to improve blood flow through narrowed or blocked arteries and veins. With over a million such procedures being performed in the United States each year, angioplasty is fairly common.

HOW IS AN ANGIOPLASTY PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

During an angioplasty procedure, a tiny balloon catheter is inserted into an artery or vein and guided to the blocked blood vessel. The balloon is inflated to widen the area of blockage or narrowing, which improves blood flow. In some instances, this procedure also involves placing a stent in the newly reopened passage to maintain the improved blood flow and prevent acute closure.

At Allegheny Vein and Vascular, we typically use the small vessels at the ankle or foot (tibial vessels) as the entry point of access for leg procedures. In fact, Dr. Tahara is one of a small group of pioneering physicians who perform angioplasty and other interventions using this as the routine method of access.

The main advantages to using tibial access are:

  1. dramatically lowers access site complication rate
  2. dramatically lowers downtime after the procedure
  3. dramatically lowers patient discomfort and convenience

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW PRIOR TO ANGIOPLASTY

Angioplasty procedures are performed regularly in outpatient settings like Allegheny Vein and Vascular, and most do not call for an overnight stay. If Dr. Tahara recommends angioplasty for you, the AVV staff will provide you with detailed instructions about how to prepare for the procedure during your evaluation. Dr. Tahara will carefully evaluate your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination during the pre-op evaluation. We will carefully review any recent illnesses, existing medical conditions, and any allergies you have or medications you’re taking. He will also carefully explain how you should manage your regular medications, food, and drink just prior to the procedure. As a typical example, you may be told not to eat or drink anything several hours before arrival. You may also be asked to wear loose and comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

The Allegheny Vein and Vascular nursing staff will call you about 24 hours after your procedure to check up on you. Typically, the patient will also come in for a followup visit with Dr. Tahara about a week after the procedure is completed.  From there on out, you will be scheduled for office visits and duplex ultrasound appointments as necessary.

IMPORTANT: It is vital that patients keep their followup appointments.  The reason for this is that vascular disease is not something that just goes away.  It is a process that continues, even after any necessary procedures have been performed.  Regular monitoring of your condition will be required in order to help you realize your best possible outcome for the long term.

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