Angioplasty with Stent Placement in Nice
Dr. Ilya Khantalin, Vascular Surgeon in the Alpes-Maritimes
Angioplasty with Stent Placement
Dr. Ilya Khantalin in Nice
Today, endovascular techniques are the most modern and commonly used methods by vascular surgeons for the treatment of arterial diseases. These techniques are approved and monitored by the Haute Autorité de Santé and are integrated into standardized surgical protocols and best practices.
These techniques require sophisticated tools and specialized equipment regulated for the use of ionizing radiation. These highly technical endovascular procedures allow for the correction of blood flow in arteries affected by common vascular pathologies.
Endoluminal angioplasty with the placement of simple stents or drug-eluting stents is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure aimed at restoring optimal blood circulation in narrowed or blocked arteries, without making a skin incision.
Vascular diseases are recognized as Long-Term Illnesses (Affections de Longue Durée – ALD), allowing for 100% coverage by French Social Security.
What Is Endoluminal Angioplasty with Stent Placement?
Vascular Surgeon in Saint-Laurent-du-Var
The goal of angioplasty is to restore satisfactory blood flow in the affected area to avoid complications such as intermittent claudication, chronic pain, and in severe cases, ulceration or gangrene.
Endoluminal angioplasty with placement of a simple (bare-metal) stent or drug-eluting stent is a key endovascular technique for treating blocked or narrowed arteries.
In Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Dr. Ilya Khantalin, vascular surgeon, offers his expertise to evaluate and treat arterial diseases, particularly those requiring endoluminal angioplasty with placement of a bare-metal or drug-eluting stent.
Procedure and Indications for Angioplasty with Stent Placement
Vascular Surgery Specialist in Saint-Laurent-du-Var
How Balloon Angioplasty and Stent Placement Are Performed
Endoluminal balloon angioplasty with stent placement can be performed under general, regional, or local anesthesia.
A thin catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or arm to reach the narrowed area. Once positioned, a small balloon is inflated at the site of the obstruction. This inflation dilates the artery and compresses cholesterol plaques or other blockages against the arterial wall, restoring blood flow.
After this step, a stent—a small tubular mesh metallic structure—is inserted and deployed in the artery. The stent keeps the artery open long-term, preventing restenosis.
There are different types of stents: some release drugs such as paclitaxel over time to prevent re-narrowing, while others are bare-metal stents without any drug coating. The choice of stent depends on the location of the blockage and the patient’s overall health.
Indications for Endoluminal Angioplasty with Stent Placement
This procedure is mainly indicated in the following cases:
- Peripheral arterial disease, such as lower limb artery disease: Angioplasty is often used to treat arterial narrowing in the legs due to atherosclerosis. Symptoms may include leg pain when walking (claudication), resting pain, and in advanced cases, non-healing wounds that can lead to amputation.
- Stenosis of arteries supplying the brain: In some cases, percutaneous endoluminal angioplasty with stent placement can be performed for narrowing of neck arteries, particularly the carotid arteries, to prevent strokes.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the renal arteries can lead to severe, treatment-resistant hypertension. Angioplasty with stenting may help lower blood pressure and improve kidney function.
Treatment Options for Endoluminal Angioplasty and Stent Placement
Depending on the nature of the narrowing and the patient’s overall health, several approaches are possible:
- Angioplasty with bare-metal stent: When there is a risk of arterial re-narrowing, a stent is necessary to keep the artery open. This type of stent is metallic, either self-expanding or balloon-mounted, and contains no medication.
- Angioplasty with drug-eluting stent: This stent gradually releases a drug to prevent scar tissue formation inside the artery, reducing the risk of restenosis. It is especially indicated for severe narrowing or high-risk patients.
The treatment approach will be determined during a consultation with your vascular surgeon, following a thorough evaluation of your vascular condition and medical history.
Follow-Up After Balloon Angioplasty with Stent Placement
Regular follow-up is essential after this procedure to ensure its effectiveness and detect any recurrence. Follow-up generally includes:
- Regular clinical examinations: Close monitoring to assess symptoms and general health.
- Doppler ultrasound: Imaging to evaluate blood flow through the treated arteries and detect any recurrence of narrowing.
- Adjustment of medications: Antiplatelet therapy is often prescribed after stent placement to prevent blood clot formation. This may include aspirin or other anticoagulants, depending on medical recommendations.
- Lifestyle evaluation: Smoking cessation, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity are essential to prevent new plaque formation.
Postoperative follow-up is crucial for the success of balloon angioplasty with bare-metal or drug-eluting stent placement. It includes:
- Clinical monitoring: Scheduled follow-up visits to check for complications and ensure proper arterial function.
- Imaging control: A Doppler ultrasound or repeat angiography may be performed in the following months to monitor artery patency and prevent restenosis.
- Medication management: Antiplatelet treatment is typically prescribed to reduce the risk of clot formation.
- Lifestyle changes: Smoking cessation, healthy diet, and regular physical activity are advised to maximize long-term results.
Annual follow-up with a vascular surgeon is recommended, especially in patients with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
The entire procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is followed by a monitoring period of 6 to 24 hours before the patient can return home. The procedure can often be performed on an outpatient basis.