Re-Vascularization Procedures

In interventional cardiology, revascularization procedures restore healthy blood flow to areas affected by obstructions, narrowing or disease. When blood flow is disrupted, the heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen and its ability to pump blood throughout the body is diminished. If left untreated, this can lead to serious complications and increase the risk of a heart attack or arrhythmia, as well as decrease your overall quality of life with symptoms that include neck or jaw pain, shortness of breath and fatigue. Interventional cardiology addresses these concerns with revascularization procedures that open up blocked or narrowed arteries to improve blood flow to the heart. The most common revascularization procedures are angioplasty, atherectomy or stenting.

Angioplasty

Also known as balloon angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), angioplasty opens up blood vessels that are narrowed or have a buildup of plaque. By inserting a catheter fitted with a small balloon into the affected arteries, Dr. Bouknight can widen them to restore blood flow without extensive surgery.

Atherectomy

Atherectomy also improves blood flow in blocked arteries, but does so by removing plaque from artery walls instead of using an inflatable balloon to widen blood vessels. This is accomplished by inserting a catheter fitted with a small device into the affected arteries, which Dr. Bouknight uses to safely scrape away blockages. Depending on your condition, atherectomy may be combined with angioplasty and stents for an optimal outcome.

Stenting

A stent is a small mesh tube that is used to keep arteries open and improve blood flow. Often placed during angioplasty, stents integrate into the arteria wall and become a permanent fixture that helps prevent future blockages.

Schedule a Consultation

The revascularization technique that is right for you will depend on your particular condition and cause of arterial obstruction. Dr. Bouknight will discuss your treatment options and thoroughly explain each procedure before proceeding, ensuring the best approach for improving blood flow in affected areas.

Schedule Consultation

Call us at (803) 888-2282 or fill out the form below to schedule a consultation with us!