Peripheral Arterial Stent

Peripheral arterial angioplasty is a procedure done to treat a narrowed or blocked artery in an arm or leg. This restores blood flow to the limb and helps relieve symptoms. In some cases, a metal mesh tube called a stent may then be placed into the artery to hold the artery open. The procedure is done by a specially trained doctor like Dr. Jamnadas.

Follow any instructions you are given on how to prepare, including:

• Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the procedure.
• Tell the technologist what medications, herbs, or supplements you take; if you are, or may be, pregnant; or if you are allergic to contrast medium (x-ray dye) or other medications.

• An IV (intravenous) line is put into a vein to give you fluids and medications. You may be given medication to help you relax and make you sleepy. A local anesthetic is given to keep you from feeling pain where the catheter (thin, flexible, tube) will be inserted.
• A very small incision is made over the insertion site. A catheter is inserted through the incision into the artery. The movement of the catheter is watched on a video monitor.
• Contrast medium is injected through the catheter into the artery. This helps the artery show clearly on x-ray images. Using these images as a guide, the radiologist moves the catheter to the narrowed or blocked part of the artery.
• When the catheter reaches the narrowed or blocked area, a special balloon attached to the catheter is inflated (angioplasty). This widens the passage through the artery.
• Sometimes the artery won’t stay open after the angioplasty. In this case, a stent is needed. A catheter with a stent attached is threaded through the artery. When the stent is in the right position, it is opened.
• When the procedure is done, all catheters and balloons are removed. The stent remains in place. Pressure is put on the insertion site for 15 minutes to stop bleeding.

• Bruising at the catheter insertion site
• Damage to the artery, including worsening of the blockage
• Problems due to contrast medium, including allergic reaction or kidney damage
• Restenosis (reblockage) of the artery, often within 6 to 18 months

• You may be told to lie flat and keep the leg with the insertion site straight for 6 hours to prevent bleeding.
• You may stay in the hospital for a few hours or overnight.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast medium from your system.
• After you go home, care for the insertion site as directed.
• You may need to take aspirin or anticoagulant medication after the procedure to help prevent blood clots in the stent. Talk to your doctor about this.