Why is this procedure done?
You have blood vessels throughout your body. Sometimes, these blood vessels become blocked with build-up of a fatty substance called plaque. Plaque causes less blood flow through the blood vessels and less oxygen reaching your body parts. You may have pain or other signs when blood vessels are blocked. One common problem to have with a blocked blood vessel is a stroke. ‚
Cleaning out the blood vessel can improve blood flow and fix these problems. This is called endovascular recanalization. The goal of this procedure is to reopen the blockage so blood can flow through the vessel once again. Doctors have a few ways to open a blocked blood vessel. Your doctor will choose the best way to do this. ‚
This decision and how well you do are based on things like: ‚
- Your age
- The location and size of the blockage
- How long you have had the blockage
- Whether you have other problems like diabetes or high blood pressure
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating and drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- Ultrasound
- Treadmill stress test
- Test to measure blood pressures in your arm and leg
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be given an I.V. so that drugs and fluids can be given into your vein. You may be given drugs to help you relax.
- The doctor will decide what area to use for your procedure. It will either be the area around your upper thigh (groin), arm, or wrist. This area will be shaved, cleaned, and numbed. The doctors will use a needle to make a hole in the blood vessel. A small wire and tube (catheter) will be passed through the hole. The wire and tube will pass through the blood vessel until they reach the blocked blood vessel.
- The doctor will use x-rays to see where the wire and catheter are located. When the catheter is in the right spot, the wire will be removed. A dye may be put into the catheter and into the blood vessels to be able to see them better. You may be asked to stay still and hold your breath for a few seconds.
- The doctor may use one or more ways to get rid of the blockage. The doctor may:
- Give clot busting drugs directly into the blood vessel.
- Use a small tool to try and remove the clot.
- Use a balloon to make the blood vessel bigger.
- Use a stent to hold the blood vessel open. A stent is a small mesh tube.
- Cut out part of the blood vessel to get rid of the area with the clot.
- The doctor will then check to make sure there is good blood flow before removing the tube. The cut in your skin is stitched up and covered with a bandage.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be watched for a period of time to make sure you dont have any bleeding.
- You may be able to go home or you may have to stay in the hospital after the procedure. This is based on what was done.
- You may have a bandage over your arm or leg where the doctor made a cut. Keep this bandage clean and dry. Remove the bandage only when then doctor tells you to.
- You may have some pain after the procedure. The doctor may order some pain medicine for you. Take it as ordered.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent or break up blood clots
- Help with pain
- Help you relax
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding. If you have a lot of bleeding or if the bleeding will not stop, call the doctor right away.
- Clot in the artery
- Injury to the artery
- Artery gets clogged again
- The stent breaks
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚