Minimally Invasive Surgery for the Treatment of Blocked Peripheral Arteries
Peripheral stenting is one of the many vascular treatments provided by the expert vascular surgeons at Loyola Medicine. Peripheral stenting is a common treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs when a patient has high cholesterol or is at risk for atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries. This can cause narrow arteries or hardened arteries, which limits the ability of the arteries to supply blood to the arms and legs.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can be treated with peripheral stenting and angioplasty. If your daily life is affected, your doctor may prescribe peripheral artery treatment to aid in managing symptoms that may include discomfort, pain and leg swelling.
Peripheral stenting is done with laparoscopic surgery where a stent, or a small mesh tube, is inserted into the narrow or hardened artery in order to prevent it from closing. This increases blood flow and improves circulatory problems by supplying blood to the arms, legs, kidneys or intestines.
There are several types of peripheral stents, which include:
- Carotid stent — Used to treat disease in the carotid arteries, the main vessels supplying blood to the brain
- Mesenteric artery stent — Used to relieve blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the intestines
- Renal stent — Used to treat narrowing and blockages in the renal arteries, which supply blood to the kidneys
Your Loyola doctor will work with you to identify the proper treatment option and give you the best care available.
Why Choose Loyola for Peripheral Stenting?
Loyola’s cardiology and heart surgery program is nationally recognized for our diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. We work with you to help you understand your condition and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
What to Expect with Peripheral Stenting
At Loyola, peripheral stenting is performed using laparoscopic surgery to insert a balloon catheter into the narrowed or hardened artery. The balloon inflates against the inside wall of the artery in order to improve blood flow.
The catheter then positions the stent, which is left in place to keep the artery open. This procedure typically takes one hour if one stent is being placed. More time is needed for the placement of additional stents.
Most patients are able to go home from the hospital in two days or less, but some go home the same day. You should be able to walk within six to eight hours after the procedure.
Your doctor may recommend taking aspirin or prescribe antiplatelet drugs to prevent clotting around the stent. The site of your incision may be sore and bruised for a few days and your movement will be limited. Full recovery from the procedure may take up to eight weeks.
What Are the Risks of Peripheral Stenting?
Doctors at Loyola work to mitigate the risks associated with peripheral stenting. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks that can include:
- Bleeding or clotting in the area where the catheter was inserted
- Damage to a blood vessel
- Damage to a nerve, which could cause pain or numbness in the leg
- Infection at the surgical site
- Kidney damage
- Restenosis (renarrowing of the artery)
- Rupture of the artery
