Name of the Procedure:

Transluminal Balloon Angioplasty (except lower extremity artery(ies) for occlusive disease, intracranial, coronary, pulmonary, or dialysis circuit)

Summary

In a Transluminal Balloon Angioplasty, a catheter with a small balloon at its tip is inserted into a narrowed blood vessel. The balloon is then inflated to widen the vessel, improving blood flow.

Purpose

This procedure is used to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels to restore adequate blood flow. The goals are to relieve symptoms like pain and to prevent further complications like tissue damage or organ dysfunction due to poor circulation.

Indications

• Symptoms such as pain, numbness, or cramping in affected areas.
• Evidence of restricted blood flow from diagnostic imaging.
• Conditions like atherosclerosis causing vessel narrowing.

Preparation

• Fasting for several hours before the procedure.
• Possible adjustment of medications, particularly blood thinners.
• Pre-procedure imaging studies like angiography to assess the affected vessel.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is sedated or given local anesthesia.
2. A puncture is made to access the blood vessel, typically in the groin or arm.
3. A catheter with a deflated balloon is inserted through the puncture site and navigated to the narrowing.
4. The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the vessel walls, widening the vessel.
5. The balloon is deflated and removed; sometimes, a stent is placed to keep the vessel open.
6. All imaging and radiological supervision necessary for the procedure are provided throughout.

Duration

Typically, the procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital's catheterization lab or an outpatient surgical center equipped for interventional radiology.

Personnel

• Interventional Radiologist or Vascular Surgeon
• Surgical Nurses
• Radiologic Technologist
• Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist (if general anesthesia is used)

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding or bruising at the puncture site.
• Infection.
• Allergic reaction to contrast dye.
• Damage to the blood vessel.
• Restenosis (re-narrowing of the vessel).
• Rarely, blood clots or embolism.

Benefits

• Improved blood flow.
• Relief from symptoms like pain and cramping.
• Prevention of more severe complications such as tissue death.
• Immediate benefits are typically observed with symptom relief within a few days.

Recovery

• Monitoring for several hours post-procedure for any complications.
• Avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
• Instructions to keep the puncture site clean and dry.
• Follow-up appointments for repeat imaging and assessment.

Alternatives

• Medication management (e.g., anticoagulants, cholesterol-lowering drugs).
• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise).
• Surgical options like bypass surgery.
• Pros and cons: Medication management may be less invasive but less effective in severe cases; surgery offers a more durable solution but involves greater risk and longer recovery.

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort at the puncture site during and after the procedure.
• Pressure or minor pain during balloon inflation.
• Post-procedure soreness and instructions for pain management.
• Most patients can return to normal activities within a week, with some restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.