Surgical Options
Surgical procedures are generally only considered in very advanced cases of PAD. The type of procedure used depends on many factors, including the extent of the disease and the location of the arterial narrowing.
Angioplasty is a process where a narrowed artery is re-opened by threading a wire (catheter) through the artery until it reaches the narrowing. A balloon that is on the tip of the catheter is then inflated which pushes back the plaque or blood clot that caused the narrowing. The artery is re-opened and the blood can flow normally again. In many cases, a small piece of metal called a stent is used to ensure that the artery remains open. The stent is placed around the balloon so when the balloon is inflated, it expands the stent. The catheter is removed but the stent stays in place.
In some cases a bypass operation may be more advantageous. This process involves taking a vein from somewhere else in your body and creating a new path for the blood to flow. It is similar to a bypass for the heart.
The long-term success of angioplasty or bypass operation depends on how consistently you control your risk factors.
Having PAD is not pleasant, but there are simple and effective ways to reduce your PAD risk. By following the advice of your doctor and reducing your PAD risk, it is possible to live a healthy lifestyle.