3D illustration of artery with stent placement to treat plaque buildup and restore blood flow

Angioplasty for PAD in Atlanta

Restore Blood Flow With or Without a Stent

Call: 678-284-2573

Medical illustration of a stent opening a clogged artery with red blood cells flowing through.

What Is an Angioplasty?

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to open narrowed or blocked arteries and restore normal blood flow. It is commonly performed to treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Coronary Artery Disease, and other vascular conditions that reduce circulation to the legs, heart, or other organs.

At Advanced Vascular & Vein, our board-certified interventional radiologists use the latest endovascular technology to perform angioplasty with precision and safety, offering long-lasting relief from pain, cramping, and fatigue caused by poor circulation.

Call: 678-284-2573

Preparation and Access

The procedure begins with a tiny puncture in the skin, usually in the groin or wrist. After administering local anesthesia and conscious sedation, the interventional radiologist creates this small access point for catheter insertion.

Navigation to Blockage

Using fluoroscopy guidance (real-time X-ray imaging), a thin catheter is carefully threaded through the blood vessels to reach the narrowed or blocked artery. Contrast dye is injected to create an angiogram, clearly showing the exact location and severity of the blockage.

Balloon Inflation

Once positioned at the blockage site, a small balloon at the catheter tip is inflated. This balloon inflation compresses the plaque against the artery wall, widening the vessel and restoring blood flow. The balloon remains inflated for 30-60 seconds before being deflated.

Treatment Options

Option A: Angioplasty Without Stent If the artery remains open after balloon deflation, the procedure is complete. The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the artery open on its own.

Option B: Angioplasty With Stent Placement If needed, a stent (tiny metal mesh tube) is placed after balloon dilation to keep the artery permanently open. The stent acts as scaffolding for recurrent or resistant blockages and arteries prone to re-narrowing.

Recovery and Discharge

The entire procedure takes under an hour with local anesthesia. After catheter removal, patients rest briefly in our outpatient recovery area before same-day discharge. Most patients can go home the same day and resume normal activities within 24-48 hours.

Angioplasty Without Stent

For certain blockages, especially when the plaque is soft or limited in size, a stent may not be needed. During balloon angioplasty, the interventional radiologist inflates a small balloon at the site of narrowing to compress the plaque against the artery wall. Once the artery is widened and blood flow improves, the balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the vessel open on its own. This approach avoids placing any foreign material in the artery and is often preferred when the vessel is likely to remain stable after dilation. It allows for a faster recovery and reduces the long-term need for additional procedures.

Angioplasty With Stent Placement

When an artery is severely narrowed, hardened, or likely to collapse after balloon dilation, a stent may be placed to hold it open. A stent is a small, mesh-like metal tube that acts as a permanent support, keeping the artery stable and maintaining healthy blood flow. Depending on the patient's condition, stents can be bare metal or drug-eluting, which slowly release medication to prevent scar tissue and re-narrowing. This option provides a more durable solution for patients with advanced or recurring blockages.

Illustration of leg arteries with a blocked artery and stent placement steps to restore blood flow

Is Angioplasty Right for You?

You may be a candidate for angioplasty if you have symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) or other circulation problems that haven't improved with medications or lifestyle changes. Angioplasty may also be recommended for:

Narrowed carotid arteries (to prevent stroke)
Renal artery disease, which can cause high blood pressure
Blocked limb or pelvic arteries that affect walking or wound healing

Call Us: 678-284-2573

Common Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Runner clutching calf muscle in pain on outdoor track, highlighting muscle strain or cramp injury.

Leg pain or cramping when walking (claudication)

Person holding foot with red highlighted pain area on sole indicating discomfort or foot pain relief.

Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet

Close-up of a foot with a circular wound or ulcer on the big toe, held by a gloved hand.

Non-healing wounds or ulcers on the toes or ankles

Close-up of legs with skin discoloration resting on smooth white satin fabric background.

Pale, cold, or discolored legs

Man sitting on bed holding his painful knee in a bright bedroom with curtains and window in background

Rest pain or pain in the legs even when at rest

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Benefits of Angioplasty

Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
No open surgery or general anesthesia
Immediate improvement in blood flow and circulation

Relief from leg pain, fatigue, and cramping
Short recovery and fast return to daily activities
Helps prevent ulcers, infections, and limb loss

Why Choose Advanced Vascular & Vein?

At Advanced Vascular & Vein, your vascular health is our top priority. Our board-certified interventional radiologists are experts in image-guided endovascular treatments that restore circulation and prevent complications from vascular disease. We use the latest technology and a patient-first approach to deliver exceptional results with minimal downtime.