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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