Percutaneous Transluminal
Angioplasty (PTA)
Why is
the doctor performing this procedure?
To open up
peripheral arteries that are narrowed or blocked by plaque build-up
(atherosclerosis). The peripheral arteries most commonly affected by
atherosclerosis are:
- Cerebral arteries in the
brain
- Carotid arteries in the neck
- Renal arteries leading to
the kidneys
- Abdominal arteries
- Iliac arteries in the groin
- Femoropopliteal arteries in the thigh
- Infrapopliteal arteries in the knee
What
is the procedure?
Percutaneous transluminal
angioplasty is commonly called PTA, or just angioplasty. A catheter is
inserted into an artery—usually in the groin—but sometimes in
the arm or wrist. The catheter is advanced to the blocked artery, and a
series of x-ray pictures are taken to clearly visualize the artery that is
narrowed. Then a balloon-tipped catheter is advanced into the narrowed
artery. Inside the artery, the balloon is inflated and deflated several
times, compressing the plaque against the artery wall and widening the
artery so blood flow improves.
X-rays
pictures are repeated, and if the artery has been successfully re-opened,
the catheters are removed. Pressure is applied to the puncture site (to
stop bleeding) while the patient rests quietly.
Where
is the procedure performed?
In the
Catheterization Lab or the Interventional Radiology Suite.
How
long does this procedure take?
PTA
(angioplasty) usually takes 1-2 hours.
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