Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA)

What is a PTA?

A PTA is a procedure used to treat the narrowing or blockage of an artery found in artery disease. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through an incision site and guided to the problem artery. Most commonly, a balloon device is used to push the soft plaque collected at the blockage to create a larger diameter and improve blood flow. If the blockage is especially severe, an atherectomy (or the cutting away of plaque from the wall of the artery) may be performed with the possibility of a stent (a metal or plastic tube placed in the vessel to keep the passageway open) being put in place.

Why am I getting a PTA?

Dr. Kiesz has determined that the cause of your symptom(s) is a narrowed blood vessel from the collection of plaque, which decreases vital blood flow. This procedure will reopen the blood vessel, restore proper circulation, and relieve the symptom(s).

Where is the insertion site for the catheter?

Dr. Kiesz will select the insertion site (either the wrist or the groin) based on access difficulty and patient history.

The first video shows a balloon angioplasty and the placement of a stent. The second video shows how an atherectomy works.