|
If this happens, an emergency operation to correct the problem and restore the circulation may be required. Even more rare is the possibility of loosing your leg due to complications of arteriography, but this is exceptional.
6. When do I know the result?
The radiologist and vascular surgeon will look at the x-ray pictures and discuss their findings. They will decide the best form of treatment for you and then write, or see you again in the outpatient clinic to discuss matters further.
ANGIOPLASTY
7. What is an Angioplasty?
An angioplasty is a procedure where a balloon is passed into your artery on the end of a tube (catheter) and is blown up to treat a narrowed or blocked artery. This technique means that surgery may be avoided in many cases. As far as you are concerned, angioplasty is very similar to an arteriogram except that we use a slightly bigger catheter and therefore the risks of bleeding are slightly greater. For this reason, in most cases, you will be asked to stay overnight. Sometimes a new channel through the blocked artery is created by deliberately making a new passage through the layers of the vessel wall (Subintimal Angioplasty). You will usually be asked to start taking aspirin before you are admitted as this makes the blood less sticky. A common dose is 75mg per day. If you have an ulcer or are allergic to aspirin, please tell your doctor.
8. The procedure.
Angioplasty takes a little longer than simple arteriography and you may feel the doctor changing, and pushing, catheters in and out of your groin artery. Although this is occasionally a little uncomfortable, it will not hurt. Sometimes, it will be necessary to insert a special device called a stent to keep the artery open. This is just a small metal cage that expands in your artery to keep the area opened out and allow more blood to flow through.
9. Afterwards.
In some cases Heparin injections (anticoagulation) will be given for 24 hours to prevent the blood clotting at the site of the angioplasty. Rarely you may require warfarin tablets to thin the blood for a few months. You will normally be allowed home the following day. If you are given heparin or warfarin this may delay your departure by a few days. You will be seen again in the clinic by your surgeon to assess the success of the angioplasty and to decide upon any further treatments.
Continue to next page
Back to previous page
|
|
