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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Balloon Angioplasty

QUESTION: I have increasing difficulty in walking any distances at all because of the pain that develops in my leg.
Although I have been taking special medication my doctor prescribed for me, things have not improved and he now is suggesting surgery to help.
Can you tell me anything about using a balloon to open my arteries, instead of replacing my damaged arteries?

ANSWER: There is increasing interest in medical circles about using the technique you refer to (balloon angioplasty) as a method to deal with the problems caused by atherosclerosis of the arteries in your leg.
When atherosclerosis (a common form of arteriosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries", in which deposits or plaques containing cholesterol form on the insides of the arteries and reduce or block circulation) strikes the arteries of the leg, the blood flow to the muscles is reduced, and the amount of oxygen available for the metabolism of these muscles is just not enough to meet with their demand when they are active.
The suffering muscles let you know, because they become quite painful after just a little exertion.
The condition is known as "claudication", which really means limping or lameness.
After a few minutes of rest, which gives time for the muscles to catch up on their oxygen requirements, the pain subsides.
When medications fail, the treatment, which is still considered to be the standard method, is to replace the blocked arteries with new grafts or replacements, or surgically remove the blocks. Balloon angioplasty, originally developed for use on the coronary (heart) arteries, is now being considered as an alternative treatment for situations such as yours.
A catheter or tube with a balloon at its tip is inserted into the diseased artery, and the tip is positioned in the area where the plaques are obstructing the blood flow.
Then the balloon is inflated, pushing the plaques backward and reforming the space inside of the artery.
The success rate may be as high as 80 percent.
The advantages of balloon angioplasty over other surgical techniques are that it is less costly, keeps you in the hospital for a much shorter stay, does not require general anesthesia, and has fewer complications.


The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.