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BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY + STENTS
This procedure is relatively simple and is widely used. A catheter with a deflated balloon is inserted into the vein at a site on the groin or arm. In this case, the catheter is used to guide the balloon to the blocked part of the vein. Once it’s there, the balloon is inflated with dye to enlarge the artery and compress the plaque. These inflations are done several times until the physician feels the blockage has been reduced to a safe amount.
At times, the physician will place a stent in the problem area. After the balloon has done its job and is removed yet another catheter delivers a tiny, mesh cylinder that works to stays in the vein to keep it open.
What to expect
This procedure is usually fairly simple and straightforward, and can sometimes be completed in 20 minutes or so. Since it does cause some injury to the vessel wall, blood thinners are often used. The leg or arm whose vessel was used must be moved very little during the procedure and for a few hours after.
