Our Procedures - Stents and up-to-date intervention techniques
Angioplasty is based on a modern technique that consists in introducing a minute catheter through a puncture in the
femoral artery or in the artery of the arm.
The catheter is manouvred by the physician through the arterial system until it reaches the site of the blockage or
constriction in the artery. A small balloon at the end of the catheter is then inflated to widen the restricted
passage.
Blood flow analysis using the intravascular Doppler
Another method used to reopen obstructed arteries is stent implantation. Stents are special metallic mesh-like tubes
which, with the aid of a "balloon", are permanently and firmly placed in the arterial wall to keep it "open" for the flow of blood.
Inside view of an artery with intravascular sonogram.
New drug-eluting stents to prevent restenosis (recurrence of vessel narrowing) are available since april 2002.
Other treatments require the use of various types of atherectomy to eliminate plaque from the clogged area, or of special wires or devices to create a passage through completely occluded arteries.
Angioplasty procedures are generally minimally invasive and psychologically well tolerated by most patients.
An anesthesiologist, present during the procedure, guarantees optimal sedation for each patient.
Diagnostic angiography usually takes half an hour. Angioplasty takes half an hour to two hours.
Patients are discharged the day following the procedure and they are able to return to their normal life shortly.
Diseased artery: partial occlusion before treatment
Angioplasty is based on a modern technique that consists in introducing a minute catheter through a puncture in the
femoral artery or in the artery of the arm.
