Method
PTA is a supplement to an angiography examination. During a PTA vascular constrictions can be expanded by using a balloon catheter.
This process is almost completely painless and can in some cases prevent larger operations (e.g. bypass).
During a PTA, the catheter is inserted in a narrow position, the balloon is inflated and the constricting deposits are pressed into the wall.
In some cases, PTA examinations may require a small wire (stent) insertion into a small vascular area.
Patient information
Before the examination read the below, and if any of the points apply, please inform your doctor and examination team if any of the following apply to you:
- Are you pregnant?
- Do you have any allergies (e.g. hay fever, asthma), hypersensitivity against medication, food, plasters, local anaesthetics?
- Have you previously experienced reactions to contrast media?
- Do you have any of the following diseases?
- malignant blood diseases
- overactive thyroid
- increased tendency to bleed
- heart disease
- diabetes (diabetes mellitus)
- kidney disease
- gout
- infectious diseases (e.g. hepatitis, HIV)
- Have you ever suffered from seizures or paralysis before?
- Do you have a previous intolerance to plasters, latex, medications, iodine, contrast media or any foods?
- Do you regularly take medication such as: Mercumar, Falithrom, Aspirin, Plavix, Heparin, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Lixiana, cardiovascular medication, any painkillers, anti-diabetic drugs, sleeping pills and / or sedatives, hormone preparations)?
- Have you ever had an angiography? If so, please bring existing documents with you.
- Have the vessels to be examined been X-rayed or operated on before? Please bring existing documents with you.
Before your Angiography examination please note:
Do not eat any solid food for at least 3 hours before your examination. You can consume drinks such as mineral water or sweetened tea but all other drinks and food will interfere with the process.
After your Angiography examination please note:
- If the procedure is done on a leg artery, you need bed rest and to keep the affected leg straight for at least 4-6 hours.
- If the procedure is done on an arm artery you will not be able to drive after the examination.
- Drink plenty of fluids post-examination so the contrast agent can quickly pass through the kidneys.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery post-examination for at least 24 hours.
