If you were recently diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD), you may have heard of treatments such as stent angioplasty to manage your condition. This minimally invasive treatment works by widening arteries narrowed by plaque, improving blood flow to the affected legs. This treatment can help reduce leg discomfort and improve mobility, with fewer risks than surgery.
Angioplasty with stent placement may not be for everyone, as PAD treatment can depend on a patient’s condition. That’s why it’s recommended to see a vascular specialist to help determine if the procedure is right for you. However, understanding how stent angioplasty benefits PAD patients can help those with the condition feel confident about their care.
What is Angioplasty for PAD?
Angioplasty is a specialized minimally invasive procedure used to treat , a leading cause of PAD. This treatment can be performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require incisions—only a small puncture through the skin.
During an angioplasty procedure, a vascular specialist inserts a thin catheter into a blood vessel in the wrist or groin. Using guidance from an ultrasound or , the catheter is moved to the narrowed artery. A small balloon is then inflated to compress plaque to the arterial walls. In some cases, a stent may also be used.
Why Stents May Be Used with Angioplasty
A stent, which is a small mesh metal tube, may be placed inside the artery after the balloon is used. Stents can help hold the artery open and support better blood flow after an angioplasty.
Not everyone needs a stent, but a specialist may recommend one depending on the location of the blockage, the severity of the narrowing, and how the artery responds during the procedure.
Think you might need an angioplasty, stent, or both? A vascular specialist can help determine whether you are a candidate for angioplasty or stenting.
Key Benefits of Stent Angioplasty for PAD
Aside from being minimally invasive, stent angioplasty can benefit patients in the following ways:
Improves Blood Flow to the Legs
Stent angioplasty for PAD opens narrowed arteries so that the legs receive the oxygen-rich blood it needs to function.
Helps Relieve Leg Pain and Walking Discomfort
Patients can experience less pain during tasks such as walking or climbing stairs. This allows patients to remain active, helping to prevent the disease from advancing.
May Support Healing in Advanced Cases
In advanced PAD cases, restoring circulation helps support healing in patients with slow- or non-healing wounds. Angioplasty treatment for PAD helps lower the risk of infections.
Slows the Progression of PAD
PAD can worsen over time and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or amputation. However, timely treatment can slow the disease’s progression, allowing patients to enjoy life without the risk of PAD complications.
Is Stent Angioplasty Right for Me?
Stent angioplasty for PAD may be right for you if your symptoms persist despite medications, supervised exercise programs, or lifestyle changes. If one of your arteries is prone to narrowing, a stent may be used to ensure the artery remains open.
There are other treatments, such as atherectomy, that physically remove plaque to improve blood flow to the legs. However, the best PAD treatment will depend on a vascular specialist’s assessment of your condition, medical history, and needs.
See a Vascular Specialist to Learn More
Long-Term Effects of Angioplasty and Stents
The success rates of angioplasty and stents can vary based on the location of the blockage, the severity of PAD, the size of the artery, and the patient’s overall vascular health. The American Heart Association reports that these procedures are widely successful at opening the arteries, with a success rate of up to 90 percent.
PAD treatments are only one part of long-term care. Results can be influenced by several factors, including whether an angioplasty with a stent was used and how advanced the disease is. Follow-up visits, medication guidance, and risk-factor management can help support better outcomes. A vascular specialist can explain what improvement may realistically look like based on each patient’s condition.
Angioplasty with Stent Placement: Potential Risks
Like any procedure, PAD angioplasty involves risks that should be reviewed with a specialist before treatment. Angioplasty risks can vary by patient but may include bleeding, bruising, blood vessel injury, infection, or the artery narrowing again. However, the risk of post-procedural complications is less than one percent, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Find Expert Angioplasty Treatment at USA Vascular Centers
At USA Vascular Centers, our team of physicians specializes in PAD treatments, such as angioplasty and stents, that are shown to relieve PAD symptoms, improve circulation, and improve movement. After a review of symptoms, a physical exam, and diagnostic testing, our vascular specialists can personalize a treatment plan that best addresses symptoms and slows the progression of PAD.
If you are dealing with leg pain when walking, cramping, cold feet, numbness, or wounds that are slow to heal, getting evaluated is an important next step. Appointments can be made online or by calling a member of our Care Team to get started.
FAQs About Stents in Legs and PAD Angioplasty
How successful are stents in the legs?
The success of stents in the legs depends on the location of the blockage, how advanced the artery disease is, and the patient’s overall vascular health. Leg stents are often used to help support an artery after angioplasty and keep blood flowing more normally.
How long do peripheral artery stents last?
Peripheral artery stents are designed to stay in place permanently. How well vascular stents in the legs continue to perform can vary depending on the artery treated, disease progression, and follow-up care.
What is the success rate of peripheral artery angioplasty?
Success rates vary by case, which is why a specialist evaluation is important when discussing expected results. Angioplasty for peripheral artery disease is commonly used to improve blood flow in narrowed leg arteries.
Do stents in the legs have to be replaced?
Stents in the legs are generally not routinely replaced and are intended to remain in place. However, some patients may need additional treatment in the future if symptoms return or the artery narrows again.
