Common Arterial Interventions: Angioplasty, Stenting, Thrombolysis, Thrombectomy, and Aneurysm Repair

When diagnosing and treating vascular diseases, Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) is at the forefront of medical care. Our Vascular and Interventional Radiology (VIR) team uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat arterial conditions, providing safe and effective care to our patients. Here, we will cover some of the common arterial interventions offered by our VIR team at SJMC.

Angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures used to treat arterial blockages, which can cause reduced blood flow to organs and tissues. During an angioplasty, a small balloon is inserted into the artery and inflated to widen the narrowed area. In some cases, a stent (a small metal mesh tube) may be inserted to keep the artery open. This allows for improved blood flow and relieves symptoms such as chest or leg pain. Angiography helps assess the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition characterised by plaque build-up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. It allows our cardiologists to identify blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis and thrombectomy are procedures used to treat blood clots in the arteries, which can cause serious complications such as stroke or heart attack. During a catheter-directed thrombolysis, a catheter is inserted into the affected artery, and a clot-dissolving drug is delivered directly to the clot to break it up. In a thrombectomy, a catheter with a specialised device is used to remove the clot physically.

An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery that can be life-threatening if it ruptures. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. A catheter is inserted into the artery and guided to the aneurysm site during the procedure. A stent graft (a fabric-covered tube) is then inserted into the artery and placed at the aneurysm site, reinforcing the weakened artery wall and preventing rupture.

Carotid and intracranial stenting are minimally invasive procedures used to treat blockages in the carotid arteries (which supply blood to the brain) or intracranial arteries (inside the brain). During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted into the artery and guided to the site of the blockage. A stent is then inserted to prop open the artery and improve blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of stroke.