$Unique_ID{BRK01205}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Balloon Angioplasty}
$Subject{walking pain treatment surgery}
$Volume{G-4}
$Log{
Atherosclerosis*0009301.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Balloon Angioplasty


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I have increasing difficulty in walking any distances at all
because of the pain that develops in my leg.  Although I have been taking
special medication my doctor prescribed for me, things have not improved and
he now is suggesting surgery to help.  Can you tell me anything about using a
balloon to open my arteries, instead of replacing my damaged arteries?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  There is increasing interest in medical circles about using the
technique you refer to (balloon angioplasty) as a method to deal with the
problems caused by atherosclerosis of the arteries in your leg.  When
atherosclerosis (a common form of arteriosclerosis or "hardening of the
arteries", in which deposits or plaques containing cholesterol form on the
insides of the arteries and reduce or block circulation) strikes the arteries
of the leg, the blood flow to the muscles is reduced, and the amount of oxygen
available for the metabolism of these muscles is just not enough to meet with
their demand when they are active.  The suffering muscles let you know,
because they become quite painful after just a little exertion.  The condition
is known as "claudication", which really means limping or lameness.  After a
few minutes of rest, which gives time for the muscles to catch up on their
oxygen requirements, the pain subsides.  When medications fail, the treatment,
which still considered to be the standard method, is to replace the blocked
arteries with new grafts or replacements, or surgically remove the blocks.
Balloon angioplasty, originally developed for use on the coronary (heart)
arteries is now being considered as an alternative treatment for situations
such as yours.  A catheter or tube with a balloon at its tip, is inserted into
the diseased artery, and the tip is positioned in the area where the plaques
are obstructing the blood flow.  Then the balloon is inflated, pushing the
plaques backward and reforming the space inside of the artery.  The success
rate may be as high as 80 percent.  The advantages of balloon angioplasty over
other surgical techniques are that it is less costly, keeps you in the
hospital for a much shorter stay, does not require general anesthesia, and has
fewer complications.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
