Treatment for: Peripheral Artery Disease, Deep Vein Disease, Varicose Veins
Procedures offered: Angioplasty (with or without stent), Atherectomy, Thrombolysis, Varicose Vein RF Ablation
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed to open the narrowed artery to improve blood flow. In some cases, a vascular stent may be used to keep the artery open.
During an angioplasty procedure, imaging is used to guide a catheter (a very small plastic tube) into an artery and advance it to where the blood vessel is narrow or blocked. A special balloon is inflated to open the vessel. Once the vessel is open, the balloon is deflated and removed.
In some cases, a small wire mesh (called a stent) may be permanently placed in the newly opened artery to help keep it open and blood flowing normally.
Atherectomy is an alternative to angioplasty. It is a technique for removing plaque from the wall of the blood vessel using a catheter fitted with a sharp blade or burring device. The cleared plaque is then drawn into the catheter and out of the body.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis is a minimally invasive procedure to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A special drug is released into the vein via a catheter to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow. DVT has been shown to break down blood clots more effectively than anticoagulation medicine
For patients with varicose veins, NSVI offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgical vein stripping. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to seal off the diseased varicose vein, causing it to shrink and be absorbed by the body. The blood is re-routed naturally through other, healthy veins.
Vascular Condition Treatment Preparation Instructions
- Please inform us of all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to local anesthetic, medications or to contrast (also known as “x-ray dye”).
- You may be advised to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Tylenol, Advil) or a blood thinning medication for a period of time before your procedure.
- Please inform us about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
- Women who are or may be pregnant should inform us immediately. Many imaging tests such as x-ray are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you may take your usual medications, especially blood pressure medications. These may be taken with some water in the morning before your procedure.
- You may be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours before your procedure.
- You may need to remain for a period of observation after your procedure.
- You will be given a gown to change into before your procedure.