FAQ's

Yes – leg Angioplasty can save a leg if done at right time
Angioplasty helps open blocked arteries in the leg, improving blood flow to tissues that are at risk of dying due to poor circulation.

Elderly person above 50 yrs who has one of following complaints.
1. Severe pain in foot or wound/ulcer which is only relieved by pain killers
2. Wound on foot that is not healing for more than 6-8 weeks
3. Black colour toes and finger/gangrene
4. Pain in calf and foot after walking for 100 meters.

If you have above complaints, consult a vascular surgeon at earliest.

Angioplasty is minimal invasive procedure in which vascular surgeon enter leg arteries through tiny puncture and inflate a balloon across the narrowing for 3 minutes then deflate and remove.

In some cases arteries recoil back to narrowing, in such cases if arteries are large and above knee we use stent ( metallic tube or springe ) to keep arteries open. If arteries are small or below knee we use atherectomy i.e a device that debulk/removes calcified blockage.

Its done through small puncture in groin and there no need of sutures.

2 days if there is no wound or gangrene. 3-4 days if there is wound/ ulcer/gangrene.

If there is no wound can be immediately mobilized after 6 hours. If there is wound on foot, vascular surgeon advise is to avoid pressure on wound. This can be done with total bed rest or off loading foot wears.

No. narrowing of arteries is natural ageing process aggravated by Diabetes, blood pressure and smoking. We can decrease the progression of disease by controlling diabetes, BP and stop smoking.
Vascular surgeon always advice their patients to
1. Controlling diabetes and cholesterol
2. Avoiding smoking
3. Regular follow-up (Doppler / ABI checks)
In some cases, repeat angioplasty or advanced techniques like IVUS or atherectomy may be required.

70-90% of simple leg angioplasty remains open for 1 year. In complex cases this patency can be prolonged by additional drug eluding balloon, Atherectomy and IVL.
Above all timing is the key to save leg

Yes in most cases, vascular procedures like angioplasty and bypass surgery by Vascular surgeon are covered by insurance.

If you're admitted under a doctor’s advice, insurance can cover:
Angiography
Angioplasty (balloon and stent)
Bypass surgery
Wound debridement
Hybrid procedures

• Government schemes (like CGHS, MPJAY, etc.) may also support certain cases.