Revascularizationendovascular

Revascularization is a medical term for procedures that restore blood flow to tissues that have become ischemic due to narrowed or blocked arteries. The goal is to relieve symptoms, improve tissue viability, and reduce the risk of tissue loss or organ dysfunction. Revascularization can involve bypassing a blocked vessel or reopening it to restore perfusion.

Approaches are broadly categorized as surgical or endovascular. Surgical revascularization creates a new route for blood flow, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or peripheral bypass procedures using autologous veins or synthetic grafts. Endovascular revascularization uses minimally invasive techniques to reopen vessels, including angioplasty with balloon dilation, stent placement, atherectomy, or other catheter-based therapies. In transplantation or organ surgery, revascularization refers to reconnecting donor and recipient vessels to restore perfusion.

Common indications include ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease with claudication or critical limb ischemia, acute arterial occlusion, carotid or cerebral ischemia, and renal artery stenosis. The choice of method depends on anatomy, comorbidity, urgency, and expected durability.

Outcomes vary with the territory and technique. Revascularization can relieve symptoms, improve exercise capacity, and prevent tissue loss. Risks include bleeding, infection, stroke, myocardial infarction, renal injury, restenosis or graft occlusion, and need for repeat procedures. Long-term success often requires risk factor modification and medical therapy.