Stroke treatment with angioplasty and stent placement

Sometimes, patients are prescribed angioplasty and stent placement to treat and prevent recurrent strokes. This minimally invasive procedure improves blood flow in the arteries and veins and restores blood supply to the brain. The procedure is performed by puncturing the femoral artery in the groin or an artery in the arm. Then, with the aid of X-rays, a specialized catheter containing a tube and balloon is inserted into the vessel and guided to the narrowed area. An embolism protection device is inserted beyond the narrowing to prevent particles from the narrowed portion of the artery (plaque) from breaking away during the procedure. The balloon is then inflated to expand and clean the vessel. If there are several such blockages, the balloon is moved to clean the artery thoroughly. After removing the vascular plaque, a stent (a small mesh tube) is inserted to expand the artery and keep it open. No stitches are required, and the incision is covered with a bandage after removing the catheter. The duration of the procedure depends on the illness severity and the number of blocked arteries. Since no incisions are made, this type of operation is suitable for patients of all categories, and the hospital stay is typically only a few days.