Angioplastie

Angioplastie, or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure designed to restore blood flow through a narrowed or blocked artery. A balloon-tipped catheter is guided through the vascular system to the site of the narrowing, where the balloon is inflated to widen the lumen. In many cases a stent—a small mesh tube—may be deployed to keep the artery open. Advances include drug-eluting stents and directional atherectomy; but balloon angioplasty alone remains common for certain lesions.

Indications include coronary artery disease causing angina or infarction risk, peripheral artery disease especially in the legs, and access to treat renal or carotid arterial stenosis. It is often performed after imaging tests reveal narrowed arteries. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia with conscious sedation and uses imaging guidance; access is commonly gained via the femoral or radial artery.

Risks include bleeding, vessel injury, contrast-induced nephropathy, infection, restenosis or stent thrombosis, and, rarely, stroke or heart attack. Overall risk is low in experienced centers. Recovery ranges from same-day discharge to short hospital stay; patients typically resume light activity within days and take antiplatelet therapy for weeks to months.

Angioplasty has evolved since its development in the late 20th century, and remains an alternative to bypass surgery for many patients, depending on anatomy and overall risk profile.