What Are Endovascular Treatments?

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Endovascular treatments are procedures done inside your blood vessels instead of open surgery. The doctor uses a long thin tube known as a catheter, but not through an open cut on the skin. Instead, using a needle, your surgeon makes a tiny incision to the groin measuring about 6 mm. Endovascular treatment has the same goal as surgery. Both seal off the aneurysm from its main artery to assist blood flow restoration in an occluded vessel and to avoid rupture. Surgeons use this treatment to treat PAD (peripheral arterial diseases), a common type of vascular disease in the carotid or aorta and legs.

Let’s talk more about these revolutionary medical procedures.

What Conditions Does Endovascular Treat?

There is a potential solution for every arterial problem. The balloons, wires, and stents make nearly all arterial problems manageable without open surgery. From sick small arteries in your legs to large abdominal aortic aneurysms and carotid artery narrowing, almost every arterial issue has a solution with endovascular treatment. Each case is assessed to find out the best mode of treatment for the patient.

Endovascular treatment for veins is another area where this procedure has offered an invasive solution to this common problem. In the past, vein surgery required a 2-3 day stay in the hospital. However, varicose veins can now be treated in the office setting using endovascular treatment (catheter-based methods).

Endovascular surgeons primarily used endovascular treatment for aneurysms that surgery couldn’t treat. Now, treatment has developed so fast that it is used as the main treatment technique at numerous medical centers. The list continues to rise since endovascular treatment is still undergoing further enhancement.

Your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks of endovascular therapy and answer any queries you might have. Facilities such as Modern Vascular Albuquerque-based, and many others provide these treatments via state-of-the-art technology and expertise.

Before The Treatment

Before the treatment, you will undergo several pre-admission tests such as chest X-rays, blood tests, and an ECG (electrocardiogram). Then, the doctor does the procedure under general anesthesia. In addition, they can give you medicine to avoid small blood clots during the operation.

During Treatment

During this surgical procedure, the surgeon inserts a catheter and guides it to where your blood vessel has been blocked. X-ray visualization and high-speed filming systems provide the surgeon with a clear view of the blood vessels and aneurysm.

The surgeon then performs an endovascular treatment such as stenting or balloon angioplasty. In balloon angioplasty, for instance, the surgeon uses a balloon fixed with a catheter to open up the blocked artery. They do this by pushing the plaque against the vessel wall.

After angioplasty, you may need to have a stent or a wire tube inserted in the artery to help stabilize the cleared vessel and also keep the blood vessel open.

After The Treatment

Your doctor should monitor you after the procedure. Even though not common, there is a risk of stroke or blood clots linked with endovascular treatment. Your doctor can prescribe drugs to prevent further clotting.

The duration of staying in the hospital depends on the patient. The doctor can release those getting treatment for unruptured aneurysms within 24 hours. However, patients with ruptured aneurysms remain in the hospital longer.

Your surgeon will tell you how and when often you will require follow-up. However, it is vital to observe your follow-up schedule.

Bottom Line

Endovascular treatments are beneficial for many patients, especially young adults who want a quick recovery and speedy return to daily activities. Recovery often takes about two weeks at most. This is less downtime compared to 6 to 8 weeks of recovery after open surgery.

Endovascular treatments are also suitable for patients who have had previous open procedures and have a high risk of complications if they undergo another open procedure. Talk to your doctor about your eligibility for the procedure before committing yourself.