Stenting

What’s angioplasty?

Angioplasty, also called balloon angioplasty, helps restore normal blood flow through a blocked or narrow artery. During the procedure, Dr. Bokhari threads a thin tube through a blood vessel starting in your groin or arm. Once the tube is in place, he inflates the attached balloon which pushes the plaque outward, widening the artery and making way for blood to flow through.

What’s stenting?

Stenting provides another minimally invasive treatment option for people who have blockages in the arteries and are not deemed good candidates for open heart surgery.  During the procedure, a stent is placed in an artery after a balloon angioplasty to keep the artery from re-closing. In some cases, the stent contains medicine that staves off closing.

Why is it done?

Stents are usually used when your arteries become narrow or clogged. They help treat a variety of conditions related to blood vessel damage and blockage, including:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Carotid artery disease
• Coronary heart disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Renal artery stenosis

What are stents made of?

Stents are made from various materials, including plastic mesh-like material or metal. Stent grafts, which are used in larger arteries, are made of fabric.

What’s carotid angiography?

Carotid angiography helps expert physicians like Dr. Bokhari identify the buildup of plaque in arteries of the neck — called carotid arteries — which supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into an artery, usually in your groin area, which allows Dr. Bokhari to observe blood flow in your arteries on an X-ray screen. While it’s considered an invasive procedure, most people experience little, if any, discomfort, and can return to their normal daily activities after a short recovery period. You may experience temporary side effects, however, such an unpleasant taste or flushing. Dr. Bokhari performs these procedures on a regular basis.