Name of the Procedure:

Revascularization, endovascular, open or percutaneous, femoral, popliteal artery(s), unilateral; with atherectomy, includes angioplasty within the same vessel, when performed

Common Name(s):

• Endovascular revascularization
• Femoral-popliteal atherectomy
• Peripheral angioplasty with atherectomy

Summary

This procedure aims to restore blood flow in the femoral and popliteal arteries of the leg by removing plaque build-up. It includes a process called atherectomy, where the plaque is excised, often followed by angioplasty to widen the blood vessel.

Purpose

This procedure is performed to:

• Address peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Improve blood flow to the lower limbs
• Alleviate symptoms like pain and cramping caused by poor circulation
• Prevent severe complications such as limb ischemia or ulcers

Indications

• Chronic leg pain and cramping during exercise (claudication)
• Non-healing wounds or ulcers on the lower extremities
• Reduced ability to walk or perform daily activities due to poor blood flow
• Diagnosis of significant artery blockage via imaging tests

Preparation

• Fasting for several hours before the procedure
• Adjustments to medications, particularly blood thinners
• Pre-procedure diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or angiography

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Administered as local or general, depending on the case.
2. Access: A small incision is made to access the femoral artery.
3. Catheter insertion: A catheter is guided to the blockage site.
4. Atherectomy: A specialized device removes plaque from the artery walls.
5. Angioplasty: A balloon is inflated to widen the artery if necessary.
6. Stenting (optional): In some cases, a stent is placed to keep the artery open.
7. Closure: The catheter is removed, and the incision is closed.

Duration

Typically 1 to 3 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital's interventional radiology or cardiac catheterization lab.

Personnel

• Interventional radiologist or vascular surgeon
• Surgical nurses
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist

Risks and Complications

• Common: Bleeding, infection, bruising at the incision site
• Rare: Blood vessel injury, allergic reaction to contrast dye, blood clots, need for emergency surgery

Benefits

• Improved blood flow
• Reduced pain and cramping
• Enhanced mobility and quality of life
• Healing of wounds and prevention of further complications

Recovery

• Observation in a recovery area for several hours
• Instructions to avoid strenuous activities for a few days
• Follow-up appointments to monitor the success of the procedure
• Possible medication adjustments

Alternatives

• Medication management (e.g., antiplatelet drugs)
• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise)
• Open surgical bypass
• Endarterectomy (surgical plaque removal)

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort during catheter insertion
• Sedation or anesthesia to ensure comfort
• Post-procedure soreness at the incision site
• Pain management with prescribed medications