Angioplasty and Stenting – Frequently Asked Questions

Angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures that help open blocked or narrowed arteries to improve blood flow.

• Angioplasty – A small balloon is inflated inside the artery to push aside plaque and widen the vessel.
• Stenting – A tiny mesh tube (stent) is placed inside the artery to help keep it open and prevent it from narrowing again.

These procedures help reduce pain, improve circulation, and prevent serious complications like non-healing wounds or limb amputation.

✔ Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – Narrowed leg arteries that cause leg pain, cramping, or slow-healing wounds.

✔ Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) – A severe form of PAD where poor circulation causes non-healing ulcers or gangrene.

✔ Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Blocked heart arteries that can lead to chest pain or heart attack.

✔ Carotid Artery Disease – Narrowed arteries in the neck, increasing the risk of stroke.

✔ Renal Artery Disease – Blocked kidney arteries, which can cause high blood pressure and kidney problems.

You may need angioplasty if you:

• Have leg pain or cramping (claudication) that makes it hard to walk or do daily activities.
• Have non-healing wounds or ulcers due to poor circulation.
• Have critical limb ischemia (CLI) – when blood flow is so poor that it causes severe pain, tissue damage, or gangrene.
• Have tried medication and lifestyle changes, but symptoms persist.

A vascular specialist will assess your condition with tests like ultrasound or CT scans to decide if angioplasty is right for you.

✔ Minimally invasive – No need for major surgery.

✔ Quick recovery – Shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.

✔ Improved circulation – Helps relieve pain, cramping, and slow-healing wounds.

Step 1: Preparation You will receive mild sedation and local anaesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. Some patients have their procedure done under general anaesthesia, especially if other procedures are planned in the same sitting (eg. debridement of foot wound)

Step 2: Artery Access Your surgeon makes a small incision, typically in the groin area, to access the blocked artery in your leg with a sheath. This is performed with the aid of ultrasound imaging.

Step 3: Angiogram A special dye (contrast) for the blood vessels is injected into the vessel with the assistance of X-ray imaging. This helps to delineate and pinpoint any areas of blockage or narrowing in this vessel.

Step 4: Catheter and Wire Insertion A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is carefully guided to the area of blockage with the assistance of X-ray imaging.

Step 5: Balloon Angioplasty The wire is manipulated across the blockage. A small balloon attached to the catheter inflates gently, pushing plaque aside and widening the artery to restore blood flow.

Step 6: Stent Placement If deemed necessary (eg. the blockage recoils after balloon angioplasty), your surgeon places a metal mesh tube (stent) inside the artery to keep it open.

Step 7: Procedure Completion The special dye (contrast) is injected again to check that all blockages are reopened nicely. Once confirmed, the catheter, wire and sheath are all removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site to prevent bleeding. Typically, stitches are not required.

Step 8: Recovery You will rest in the recovery area while being monitored by medical staff. Most patients can sit up and resume their meals later in the day.

Step 9: Home Care Instructions Most patients return home after an overnight stay. Your surgeon will provide clear guidelines on medication, lifestyle changes, and caring for the puncture site.

Angioplasty and stenting typically take between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the blockage.

Most patients feel minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia numbs the area where the catheter is inserted, and mild sedation may be used to help relaxation.

• Patients are usually monitored for a few hours or overnight.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few days.
• Return to normal activities within a week, depending on your doctor’s advice.

While the procedure is generally safe, potential risks include:

⚠ Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site (puncture site complications).
⚠ Blood clots forming inside the stent (thrombosis).
⚠ Artery or stent re-narrowing (restenosis) over time.
⚠ Rare complications like stroke or heart attack.

Your doctor will discuss these risks and how to minimize complications through lifestyle changes and medication.

Angioplasty and stenting are highly effective procedures that significantly improve blood flow, relieving symptoms such as pain, cramping, and mobility issues caused by blocked arteries. To maintain these benefits long-term, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, along with prescribed medication, may be recommended. Regular follow-up visits and monitoring by your vascular specialist will also help ensure your treated artery remains open and healthy.

If you feel like you might require angioplasty and stenting, we’re here to help.

📍 Visit: Novena Vascular & Varicose Vein Centre. 38 Irrawaddy Rd, #08-48, Singapore 329563
📞 Call or drop a message on WhatsApp: (+65) 9727-0788
📧 Email: contact@drdarryllim.com
🌐 Website: https://drdarryllim.com