Endovascular and Minimally-Invasive Procedures

Angiography (Angiogram)

An angiogram is an X-ray imaging of the blood vessels( arteries and veins).  An angiogram provides information about blood vessel abnormalities such as narrowing, blockage, inflammation, abnormal widening, and bleeding.  An interventional radiologist or vascular surgeon will insert a catheter( thin tube) into the artery or vein through a small cut in the skin. Then a contrast agent(x-ray dye) is injected to make the blood vessels visible on x-ray.

Angioplasty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEIAzLjBSCo
also known as ‘balloon angioplasty,” is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries or veins.  Using angiography, a deflated balloon attached to a catheter is inserted into the narrowed vessel and then inflated to a fixed size for a short time.  The balloon forces expansion of the blood vessel, allowing improved blood flow.

Stents

A stent is a synthetic tube inserted into a blood vessel to keep it open and/or reinforce the natural structure.  One type of stent MVP uses is a Drug-eluting stent.  This stent is coated with medication that is released over time to help decrease the risk of re-narrowing (stenosis) of the artery.   A stent is placed using angiography.

Atherectomy

Atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes plaque buildup from blood vessels to improve blood flow. Atherectomy is performed using angiography.

Do you suffer from Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)? Angioplasty, Stent, or Atherectomy may be a solution. Learn more here.

Thrombolysis

Thrombolysis is a treatment using pharmaceutical drugs to dissolve blood clots in arteries or veins to restore or improve blood flow.

Thrombectomy

Thrombectomy is a treatment using a device to mechanically remove blood clots from an artery or vein to restore or improve blood flow.