Standard balloon angioplasty and cutting balloon angioplasty

Also known as: angioplasty, balloon angioplasty.

What is standard balloon angioplasty and cutting balloon angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a medical procedure that’s used to open up narrow or blocked arteries or other blood vessels. Standard balloon angioplasty and cutting balloon angioplasty are two unique variations of angioplasty that are used for different problems and patients.

What happens during the procedure? 

For a balloon angioplasty, a catheter (a long, thin tube) is inserted into a blood vessel in the body and guided to the blocked area. Then a balloon that is inserted through the catheter is inflated at the site of the blockage to open up the vessel and restore the flow of blood. A cutting balloon has tiny knives around the edges to provide more effective blockage removal in certain situations.  
 

Is any special preparation needed? 

Your doctor might request that you stop taking certain medications before angioplasty.

What are the risk factors? 

Angioplasty is fairly safe. You may experience some pain, swelling, bleeding, bruising and soreness.

Standard balloon angioplasty and cutting balloon angioplasty at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital: Standard balloon angioplasty and cutting balloon angioplasty are performed by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s team of top-notch medical professionals using the most cutting-edge techniques.

This page was last updated on: April 30, 2021 04:03 PM

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