Angioplasty and stenting of the limb arteries

Angioplasty reopens a narrowed or blocked artery from the inside. A small balloon is guided to the narrowing and inflated to press the atheroma plaque against the artery wall and restore a normal diameter. A stent, a small metal mesh tube, may then be deployed to keep the artery open. The procedure is performed in the catheterisation laboratory, usually under local anaesthesia, through a puncture in the groin. It mainly concerns the leg arteries (iliac, femoral, popliteal and below-the-knee arteries), and less often those of the arm. Drug-coated balloons or stents may be used to reduce the risk of the artery narrowing again. Angioplasty is offered when arterial disease limits walking despite medical treatment and regular walking exercise, or when the foot is short of blood. It often avoids open surgery and allows a quick recovery. Depending on the length and position of the lesions, a bypass may remain the better option: the choice is discussed with the patient. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, angioplasty is performed in a latest-generation catheterisation laboratory, working closely with the vascular surgeons so that endovascular and surgical techniques can be combined when needed.