Balloon dilatation with placement of a stent

A balloon dilatation is a commonly used (endovascular) procedure to treat narrowed and blocked blood vessels (usually arteries). A balloon dilatation is also called a Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA).

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of the procedure?

The benefits of endovascular surgery are:

  • It is sometimes (but not always) carried out under local anaesthetic.
  • There is no incision and therefore no scars.
  • Different parts of the body can be treated in a single procedure.
  • Arteries that are very difficult to reach can still be treated.
  • Treatment (PTA) of arteries in the heart (coronary arteries) is carried out by cardiologists in the cath lab.
  • Treatment (PTA) of blood vessels in the brain which are inside the skull (intracranial vessels) is carried out by the interventional (neuro)radiologist in the Radiology department.
  • All other blood vessels are treated by the vascular surgeon.

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What should you do prior to the procedure?

Let us know in good time if you:

  • Are allergic to contrast fluid (iodine)
  • Take blood thinning (anticoagulant) medication
  • Are (or might be) pregnant
  • Have renal disease or diabetes

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What are the possible risks of the procedure?

The risks of a balloon dilatation depend on exactly where the artery is narrowed. Bleeding at the needle insertion site is a possible complication. The use of contrast fluid also carries a risk of allergy or renal failure. The possible risks will be discussed with you by the surgeon during a preoperative interview in the outpatient clinic.

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Preparation for the procedure?

  • Before the treatment, an angiogram is carried out (traditional angiogram, CT scan or MRI) to obtain images of the narrowed or blocked blood vessel(s). An angiogram helps with choosing the right type and size of catheters, balloons and stents.
     
  • You must not eat or drink for six hours before the procedure.

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What happens during the procedure?

A small balloon is inserted through a tube and inflated inside the affected blood vessel to push open the narrowed part. It may be necessary to place a stent in the blood vessel after it has been dilated. A stent is a reinforcement that keeps the blood vessel open.

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What happens after the procedure?

After the dilatation the catheter will be removed and the needle insertion site will be sealed. After the procedure you will be monitored in the recovery room. You must remain lying down in bed for six hours to prevent bleeding. After you have been checked by a doctor they will decide whether you can get out of bed.

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What should you do after the operation?

  • In the first three days after the test you must be careful about lifting heavy items.
     
  • In the first 24 hours after the test you must not have a bath. Showering is no problem.
     
  • If you have been prescribed blood thinners (anticoagulants), you must take them regularly.

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What happens during follow-up?

Immediately after the operation or soon afterwards, the doctor who has treated you will discuss how it went on the ward. A date for a check-up will be arranged immediately.

A final report of the procedure will be sent to the doctor who requested it.

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