(Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty) is a minimally invasive (without a large incision) procedure used to open the blocked or narrowed femoral artery and to restore arterial blood flow to the lower leg without open vascular surgery. A special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into the femoral artery. The catheter has a tiny balloon at its tip. The balloon is inflated once the catheter has been placed into the narrowed area of the artery. The inflation of the balloon compresses the fatty tissue in the artery and makes a larger opening inside the artery for improved blood flow. A stent (a tiny, expandable metal coil) may be inserted into the newly-opened area of the artery to help keep the artery from narrowing or closing again.

Reasons for the Procedure

Reasons a femoral popliteal bypass surgery or PTA of the femoral artery may be performed include, but are not limited to, the following:

• medical management that has not improved symptoms, or worsening of symptoms despite medical management
• severe disability (intermittent claudication that causes interference with lifestyle and/or ability to work)
• nonhealing wounds
• infection or gangrene
• ischemic rest pain (lack of oxygen and nutrients to the leg resulting in pain at rest)
• danger of losing the limb due to decreased blood flow