WHAT IS ARTERIAL STENTING?

 

Arterial stenting is a minimally

invasive procedure used to

improve blood flow when an artery

 is narrowed. This helps to restore

 healthy blood flow. The stent is a

 wire mesh tube that is

permanently placed in a newly

opened artery to help keep it open.

WHY MIGHT I NEED

ARTERIAL STENTING?

 

You may need testing to treat

conditions that narrow or block

arteries and interrupt blood flow.

 These conditions include:

 

• Narrowing of arteries due to

build-up of cholesterol and

other fatty deposits called plaques

 

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD),

a narrowing of the arteries in the

legs or arms

 

• Renal vascular hypertension,

high blood pressure caused by a

 narrowing of the kidney arteries.

 Angioplasty and stenting may be

used to help improve kidney

function

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF

ARTERIAL STENTING?

 

• Bleeding, swelling caused by a

 collection of blood (hematoma),

injury to nerves, or infection.

 

• Damage to an artery or an artery

wall. This can cause blood clots,

 abnormal ballooning of the artery,

 or abnormal link between the artery

 and nearby vein.

 

• Temporary kidney failure. Please

 notify your provider if you have

had recent imaging testing that

included contrast, as this would

increase your risk for kidney issues.

 

 

TELL YOUR HEALTHCARE

PROVIDER IF YOU:

 

• Are pregnant or think you may be

 pregnant. Radiation exposure

during pregnancy may lead to

birth defects.

 

• Are allergic to or sensitive to

any medications, contrast, latex,

tape, or anesthetic medicines

(local or general).

 

• Have kidney failure or other

kidney problems. In some cases,

 the contrast can cause kidney

failure. You are at higher risk for

this if you take certain diabetes

medicines. You may need to hold

certain medications prior to the

 procedure.

 

• Are taking any medication that

 include prescriptions, over-the-

counter, and herbal supplements.

 

• Have a bleeding disorder or take

blood thinners, aspirin, or

medications or supplements that

affect blood clotting. These may

have to be stopped prior to the procedure.

HOW DO I GET READY FOR

ARTERIAL STENTING?

 

• You will need to have blood

work prior to your procedure. You

should receive an order from your

 physician.

 

• You will be asked not to eat after

 midnight prior to the procedure.

You may have clear liquids 2

hours before your arrival time.

 

• Bring your insurance card and

picture ID with you to the

appointment. You may bring an

 adult guest with you.

 

• You will need a driver to your

 appointment. If you need

transportation, please let the

office know so that we can

arrange it for you.

WHAT HAPPENS PRIOR

TO ARTERIAL STENTING?

 

• You will read and sign your

consent that gives your permission

 for the procedure to be performed.

You will have the opportunity to ask

 your provider questions and have

 anything explained that you do not

 understand.

 

• You will be asked to remove any

 clothing or jewelry that may get

in the way of the test. You will be

given a gown to wear. You will be

asked to empty your bladder prior

 to the test.

 

• An intravenous (IV) line will be

started in your hand or arm. You

will be connected to a monitor that

 records your heart rate, blood

pressure, and breathing.

 

• You may get medication to

help you relax before the procedure.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING

ARTERIAL STENTING?

 

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)

imaging is used to determine the

size of the vessel and the length of

 the stent needed. Then, using

image guidance, the balloon

catheter is advanced through the

artery to the site of the blockage

or narrowing. The balloon is then

inflated to deploy the stent in the

 specific site. The balloon is then

 deflated and removed.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER

ARTERIAL STENTING?

 

• You will be taken to the recovery

room. A nurse will watch your vital

signs and the access site(s).

They will check the circulation and

 sensation in your extremities.

 

• Depending on the closure device

used, you will be discharged after

a period of rest and no signs of

bleeding.

 

• You will be encouraged to drink

 water and fluids to help flush the

 contrast from your body.

 

• You will receive written discharge

 instructions about returning to your

 daily activities and how to care for

 your bandage and incision site.

AT HOME

 

• Once home, you should watch the

 injection site for bleeding. A small

 bruise is normal. So is an

occasional drop of blood at the site.

 

• You should watch your arm or leg

 for changes in temperature, color,

pain, numbness, tingling, or loss of

 movement.

 

• Drink plenty of fluids to help the

 contrast leave your body. You may

 not be able to do any strenuous

 activities or take a bath or shower

for a period of time after the

procedure..

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