Peripheral Vascular Angiography and Stenting is a medical procedure aimed at diagnosing and treating blockages or narrowing in peripheral arteries, typically those in the legs or arms. Here is a description of this procedure in a simplified format.
Procedure Overview
Patient Preparation
The patient is brought to an angiography suite and positioned on a specialized table. Sedation may be administered for relaxation.
Access Site
The physician selects the groin or wrist as the access point. The chosen area is cleaned, sterilized, and locally anesthetized to numb the skin and underlying tissues.
Guidewire Insertion
A small incision is made at the access site, and a catheter with a guidewire inside is inserted. The guidewire is carefully threaded through blood vessels to reach the area of concern.
Angiography
Contrast dye is injected through the catheter directly into the artery of interest. X-ray imaging captures detailed images of the blood vessels, allowing the physician to identify blockages or abnormalities.
Stent Placement
If a significant blockage or narrowing is found, a stent may be required. The stent, a small expandable metal mesh tube, is precisely positioned using the guidewire and catheter. Once in place, the stent expands, pushing aside blockages and restoring proper blood flow.
Post-Procedure Care
After stent placement, the catheter and guidewire are removed. Pressure is applied to the access site to prevent bleeding, and a sterile dressing or closure device may be used to cover the incision.
Recovery
Patients are monitored briefly in a recovery area to check for immediate complications. Most can resume regular activities within a day or two, with avoidance of strenuous exercise for a few days.