Name of the Procedure:

Transluminal Balloon Angioplasty, Percutaneous; Aortic
Common Name(s): Aortic Balloon Angioplasty

Summary

Transluminal Balloon Angioplasty is a medical procedure where a small balloon is inserted into a narrowed section of the aorta (the largest artery in the body) and then inflated to widen the artery. This helps improve blood flow.

Purpose

The primary goal of this procedure is to open up narrowed sections of the aorta to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms such as pain and fatigue. It aims to alleviate any blockages or stenosis in the aorta that can lead to severe cardiovascular issues.

Indications

• Aortic stenosis or narrowing due to plaque or other conditions.
• Symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fatigue.
• Patients who are not ideal candidates for surgical aortic repair or replacement.

Preparation

• Patients are typically required to fast for a specified number of hours before the procedure.
• Certain medications may need to be adjusted or stopped as per physician instructions.
• Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging studies (CT scan, MRI), and electrocardiograms (ECG) are often done beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is given sedation or general anesthesia.
2. A small incision is made, usually in the groin area, to access the femoral artery.
3. A catheter with a deflated balloon on its tip is inserted through the incision and threaded up to the aorta.
4. Once in position, the balloon is carefully inflated to widen the narrowed section of the artery.
5. After sufficient widening, the balloon is deflated and removed, and the incision is closed.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in a hospital or a specialized cardiac catheterization lab.

Personnel

The team generally includes a cardiologist or interventional radiologist, nurses, a radiologic technologist, and an anesthesiologist.

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding or hematoma at the incision site
• Infection
• Damage to the artery
• Risk of stroke or heart attack
• Rarely, rupture of the aorta

Benefits

• Improved blood flow through the aorta
• Relief from symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue
• Reduced risk of severe cardiovascular events
• Benefits can be realized soon after the procedure

Recovery

• Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two for monitoring.
• Post-procedure care includes instructions on incision site care, activity restrictions, and medications.
• Full recovery usually occurs within a few days to a week, though follow-up appointments are important.

Alternatives

• Medications to manage symptoms, though these do not resolve the narrowing.
• Surgical aortic repair or replacement, which may be more invasive.
• Each alternative has its own risks and benefits, and suitability depends on individual patient factors.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, patients will be sedated and should not feel pain.
• Post-procedure, patients may experience some discomfort at the incision site, which can be managed with pain medication.
• Patients may feel tired for a few days but will usually notice an improvement in their symptoms soon after.