Angioplasty for peripheral arterial disease of the legs
Angioplasty for peripheral arterial disease of the legs
Iliac artery is narrowed by plaque
Angioplasty is used to open narrowed arteries and increase oxygen-rich blood flow to muscle and tissue. These images show angioplasty for the iliac artery. Angioplasty can also be done for the femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries.
Catheter is inserted
You may be asleep for the procedure. Or you may be awake. You will get medicine to prevent pain and help you relax. Then the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel. In this image, the catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the thigh and carefully guided to the narrowed part of the iliac artery. A wire inside the catheter is used to guide tools, including a small balloon, into the artery.
Balloon is inflated, stent is expanded
The doctor guides the catheter to the narrowed part of the artery and inflates a small balloon at the end of a tube. The balloon may remain inflated for a short time. If the doctor is going to place a stent in the artery, the balloon is inflated inside of the stent. The pressure from the inflated balloon causes the stent to expand and press the plaque against the wall of the artery, creating more room for blood to flow.
Balloon is removed, stent is in place
Next, the doctor deflates the balloon and removes it, leaving the expanded stent in place to keep the walls of the artery open.
Before and after angioplasty
Angioplasty can widen a narrowed part of an artery. This increases the flow of oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to the leg.
Current as of: May 1, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
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