Treatments
Angioplasty & Stenting: Reopening Blocked Arteries, From the Inside
When a leg artery is narrowed or blocked by plaque, angioplasty and stenting can reopen it through a tiny puncture — no large incision, and often a same-day return home. It's one of the main minimally invasive ways we restore blood flow in peripheral artery disease, relieve symptoms, and help save threatened limbs.
Cardentey Vascular Care performs angioplasty and stenting as part of a full range of treatment options, choosing the approach that fits your arteries rather than relying on a single technique.
What is angioplasty and stenting?
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that reopens a narrowed artery using a small balloon, which is threaded to the blockage through a catheter and inflated to push the plaque outward and restore blood flow. A stent — a small mesh tube — is sometimes placed to hold the artery open afterward. The whole procedure is done through a needle-sized access point rather than open surgery.
How does the procedure work?
The procedure works by reaching the blockage from inside the artery and widening it. Through a small puncture (often in the groin), your surgeon guides a thin catheter to the narrowed segment using live X-ray imaging. A balloon at the catheter's tip is inflated to open the artery. Depending on the artery and the blockage, treatment may also include:
- A stent to scaffold the artery open where the vessel is likely to narrow again.
- A drug-coated balloon, which delivers medication to the artery wall to help keep it open without leaving behind a permanent metal scaffold.
These tools are matched to your specific anatomy and the nature of the blockage.
What conditions does angioplasty treat?
Angioplasty and stenting are used to restore blood flow in peripheral artery disease, including the advanced stage that threatens a limb (chronic limb-threatening ischemia). They can relieve the leg pain of claudication when it limits your life despite medication and exercise, and they're a key tool in limb salvage — restoring circulation so non-healing wounds can heal and amputation can be avoided.
What is recovery like?
Recovery from angioplasty is typically quick because there's no large incision. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days, with some restrictions on heavy lifting and on the access site for a short time. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions and arrange follow-up to confirm the artery is staying open.
Is angioplasty better than bypass surgery?
Neither is universally better — the right choice depends on where the blockage is, how extensive it is, and your overall health. Minimally invasive angioplasty offers faster recovery, while surgical bypass can be more durable for certain complex or long blockages. Because Dr. Cardentey is a board-certified vascular surgeon trained in both endovascular and open techniques, he can recommend the option that genuinely fits your situation, rather than the only one available.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
No. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a needle-sized puncture rather than a large incision. Most patients are awake with light sedation, go home the same day, and recover within a few days. It's far less invasive than traditional open surgery.
Stents are designed to be permanent and many stay open for years, but no artery treatment is guaranteed to last forever — arteries can narrow again over time, especially without risk-factor control. That’s why stopping tobacco, managing cholesterol and diabetes, and attending follow-up visits are essential to keeping the artery open.
Usually not fully. Most angioplasty procedures are done with local anesthesia and light sedation, so you're relaxed and comfortable but not under general anesthesia. Your care team will discuss the right approach for you based on the procedure's complexity.
Angioplasty restores blood flow but doesn't cure the underlying disease. PAD is driven by atherosclerosis throughout the body, so the artery can narrow again if risk factors aren't managed. Angioplasty relieves symptoms and protects the limb, but it works best combined with medication, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Restore blood flow, protect your limb
If you have leg pain that limits you, a non-healing wound, or a threatened limb, angioplasty may be able to restore the blood flow you need — often as a same-day, minimally invasive procedure.
Call our Largo office to learn whether angioplasty is right for you, or request an appointment online.