Angioplasty
Learn about Angioplasty in Singapore, a minimally invasive treatment provided by Dr. Manish Taneja at the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic to widen narrowed blood vessels and improves blood flow. Understand how angioplasty works, who may benefit, risks and recovery.
Angioplasty in Singapore
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Narrowed Blood Vessels
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure used to widen a narrowed or blocked blood vessel and improve blood flow.
Narrowing of the arteries can occur in different parts of the body and may be caused by plaque build-up, blood clots or other vascular conditions. Depending on the location and cause of the narrowing, angioplasty may be used as a treatment on its own or combined with another procedure such as stenting or atherectomy.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, angioplasty is part of a comprehensive vascular treatment approach led by Dr. Manish Taneja, dual-trained neurointerventional and peripheral vascular intervention specialist.
With expertise spanning the brain and body, our comprehensive clinic provides specialist-led assessment, minimally invasive treatment and ongoing follow-up under one roof.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the location and severity of the narrowing, your symptoms, vascular anatomy, overall health and treatment goals.
Treatment Overview
| Treatment Type | Minimally invasive endovascular procedure |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Carotid stenting, carotid artery angioplasty and stenting |
| Used for | Selected patients with significant carotid artery narrowing |
| Specialty | Vascular and neurointerventional care |
| Treatment goal | Improve blood flow through the narrowed carotid artery and reduce stroke risk in appropriately selected patients |
| How it works | A balloon may widen the narrowed artery before a mesh stent is placed to support the artery |
| Procedure Access | Catheter inserted through the wrist or groin |
| Anaesthesia | Depends on the individual procedure and clinical circumstances. General anesthesia may not be needed. However, IV fluids and medication are given to relax the patient. |
| Follow-Up | Clinical review and vascular imaging may be recommended |
| Performed By | Dr. Manish Taneja, dual-trained neurointerventional and peripheral vascular intervention specialist |
What Is Angioplasty?
Angioplasty is a catheter-based treatment used to widen a narrowed or blocked blood vessel.
A narrowing may develop when plaque builds up inside an artery, reducing the space available for blood to flow. This can affect circulation to the legs, kidneys, brain or other parts of the body depending on the artery involved. During angioplasty, a thin catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the narrowed section. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is then carefully inflated to widen the affected area. The balloon is subsequently deflated and removed, leaving the blood vessel wider and allowing blood to flow more freely.
In some situations, angioplasty may be combined with another treatment. A stent may be placed to provide additional support, while specialised balloons or atherectomy may be considered depending on the characteristics of the narrowing.
How Does Angioplasty Work?
Widening a Narrowed Blood Vessel
Before angioplasty, imaging is used to identify the location and severity of the vascular narrowing and assess the surrounding blood vessels.
During the procedure, a thin catheter is carefully inserted either through the groin or wrist then guided through the blood vessels to the affected area. A small balloon is positioned across the narrowing and gently inflated. The balloon presses against the plaque or narrowed vessel wall, widening the passage through the artery. The balloon is then deflated and removed while the treated vessel is assessed using imaging. If additional support is required, a stent or another specialised treatment may be used depending on the location and characteristics of the narrowing.
It is important to remember: Angioplasty uses a temporary balloon to widen a narrowed blood vessel, while a stent provides permanent structural support to keep a treated artery open.
Types of Angioplasty
Angioplasty can be performed using different techniques depending on the blood vessel being treated, the cause and extent of the narrowing, and the patient's individual treatment needs.
Balloon Angioplasty
Balloon angioplasty uses a small balloon catheter to widen a narrowed or partially blocked blood vessel. The balloon is carefully positioned within the affected area and inflated to improve blood flow.
It may be used to treat selected arterial blockages and narrowing as part of an endovascular revascularisation procedure.
Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty
Drug-coated balloon angioplasty combines balloon angioplasty with a specialised balloon that delivers medication to the vessel wall during treatment.
The medication is intended to reduce the likelihood of the treated vessel becoming narrowed again in selected patients. Whether a drug-coated balloon is appropriate depends on the affected vessel, underlying condition and individual treatment plan.
Angioplasty vs Stenting
Angioplasty is used in several areas of vascular care. At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, angioplasty may be used to treat selected arterial blockages and narrowing. Different angioplasty techniques may also be considered depending on the vessel, underlying condition and treatment objective.
| Angioplasty Application | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Peripheral Angioplasty | Opens narrowed or blocked peripheral arteries |
| Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty | Uses a drug-coated balloon in selected narrowed vessels |
Where Can Angioplasty Be Used?
Angioplasty can be used to treat selected vascular narrowings in different parts of the body.
Depending on the condition, angioplasty may be considered for:
Peripheral Arteries
Angioplasty can widen narrowed arteries supplying the legs and other parts of the body affected by peripheral arterial disease.
Carotid Arteries
Selected carotid artery narrowing may be treated using angioplasty as part of carotid artery stenting.
Intracranial Arteries
Selected narrowing within the arteries of the brain may be treated using angioplasty as part of specialised neurointerventional treatment.
Arterial Inflow for Erectile Dysfunction
In selected patients with erectile dysfunction caused by reduced arterial blood flow, angioplasty may be considered to improve blood flow to the penis when a suitable arterial narrowing or blockage is identified.
When Might Angioplasty Be Recommended?
Angioplasty may be considered when narrowing or blockage is significantly affecting blood flow and intervention is appropriate.
Your specialist will consider:
- The location of the narrowing
- The severity of the blockage
- Your symptoms
- The underlying cause
- Your vascular anatomy
- Previous treatments
- Your overall health
- Whether other treatment options may be more appropriate
Not every narrowed blood vessel requires angioplasty.
Depending on the condition, treatment may instead involve medication, lifestyle and risk-factor management, monitoring, stenting, atherectomy or another vascular procedure.
Angioplasty vs Stenting
Angioplasty and stenting are related but different treatments.
| Angioplasty | Stenting |
|---|---|
| Uses a temporary balloon to widen the narrowed vessel | Uses a permanent mesh tube to support the vessel |
| Balloon is removed after treatment | Stent remains in the treated artery |
| May be performed alone in selected cases | May be performed after angioplasty |
| Can improve blood flow through a narrowed vessel | Provides ongoing structural support |
In some patients, angioplasty alone may be sufficient. In others, a stent may be recommended to help maintain the opening of the artery.
Potential Benefits of Angioplasty
Improving Blood Flow Without Open Surgery
For appropriately selected patients, angioplasty may provide several potential benefits.
Minimally Invasive Treatment
The procedure is performed through the blood vessels using a catheter rather than open vascular surgery.
Improves Blood Flow
Widening the narrowed vessel can increase blood flow to the affected part of the body.
Vascular Symptoms Relief
Improved circulation may help reduce symptoms caused by inadequate blood flow, depending on the underlying condition. This reduces the pain and cramping in the limbs.
Reduces Risk of Complications
Angioplasty avoids the risks of limb amputation resulting from limb ischemia.
Can Be Combined With Other Treatments
Angioplasty can be used alongside stenting, atherectomy or specialised balloon techniques when appropriate.
Shorter Hospital Stays
The procedure is minimally invasive, with faster recovery than surgery.
Important reminder: Every vascular condition is different. The potential benefits of angioplasty must be considered alongside the risks, anatomy and alternative treatment options.
What Are the Potential Risks and Limitations?
Understanding the Risks of Angioplasty
Like all vascular procedures, angioplasty carries potential risks.
Potential risks may include:
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter access site
- Re-narrowing of the treated vessel
- Dislodgement of plaque or other material
- Reaction to contrast dye
- Need for additional treatment
The level of risk varies depending on the location and severity of the narrowing, the condition being treated and your overall health.
Your specialist will explain the potential benefits, risks and alternatives before recommending treatment.
Recovery After Angioplasty
What Can You Expect After Treatment?
Following angioplasty, you will be monitored while the effects of the procedure and the catheter access site are assessed.
Your recovery depends on the blood vessel treated, the complexity of the procedure and your overall health.
Your specialist will provide personalised advice regarding:
- Caring for the catheter access site
- Prescribed medications
- Returning to normal activities
- Follow-up appointments
- Follow-up vascular imaging where required
- Managing cardiovascular risk factors
Long-term management may include medication, lifestyle changes and monitoring to help maintain vascular health and reduce the risk of further narrowing.
Your Angioplasty Treatment Journey
| Step | Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Specialist Consultation & Assessment | Review your symptoms, medical history and previous vascular investigations. |
| 2 | Vascular Imaging | Assess the location, severity and characteristics of the narrowed blood vessel. |
| 3 | Treatment Planning | Determine whether angioplasty alone or another vascular treatment is most appropriate. |
| 4 | Angioplasty Procedure | Position and inflate a small balloon to widen the narrowed blood vessel. |
| 5 | Blood Flow Assessment | Use imaging to assess the treated vessel and confirm the treatment result. |
| 6 | Recovery & Monitoring | Receive personalised recovery guidance and post-procedure monitoring. |
| 7 | Follow-Up & Prevention | Continue specialist follow-up and management of underlying vascular risk factors. |
Why Choose the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for Angioplasty?
Brain-to-Body Vascular Expertise Under One Roof
Angioplasty can be used to treat vascular conditions affecting different parts of the body, from the arteries supplying the legs to vessels supplying the brain.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, care is led by Dr. Manish Taneja, a dual-trained neurointerventional and peripheral vascular intervention specialist.
Brain-to-Body Expertise
Benefit from specialist expertise across vascular conditions affecting the brain and wider circulation.
Personalised Treatment Planning
Treatment is selected according to the location and characteristics of your vascular condition rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Where appropriate, catheter-based treatment can improve blood flow without open vascular surgery.
Advanced Imaging
Detailed vascular imaging helps guide diagnosis, treatment planning and precise intervention.
Continuum of Care
From assessment and treatment planning through follow-up, our clinic provides specialist-led care throughout your vascular treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angioplasty
Is angioplasty the same as stenting?
No. Angioplasty uses a temporary balloon to widen the vessel, while stenting places a permanent mesh device to support the artery.
Where can angioplasty be performed?
Angioplasty can be used to treat selected narrowed blood vessels in areas including the legs, carotid arteries, intracranial arteries and dialysis access circuits.
Is angioplasty minimally invasive?
Yes. Angioplasty is performed through a catheter inserted into the blood vessels rather than through open surgery.
Does everyone with a blocked artery need angioplasty?
No. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the blockage, symptoms, underlying condition and individual risk factors.
Can angioplasty be combined with a stent?
Yes. In selected cases, a stent may be placed after angioplasty to provide additional support and help maintain the opening of the treated vessel.
What happens after angioplasty?
Patients are monitored following treatment and receive personalised advice about medications, activity, follow-up and management of underlying vascular risk factors.
Can an artery narrow again after angioplasty?
Yes. Re-narrowing can occur in some patients, which is why follow-up and management of underlying vascular risk factors are important.
Specialist Assessment for Angioplasty in Singapore
The most appropriate treatment for a narrowed blood vessel depends on its location, severity, underlying cause and your individual health. At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, Dr Manish Taneja provides specialist vascular assessment, advanced imaging review and personalised treatment planning for conditions affecting the brain and body.
With minimally invasive treatment options and a continuum of specialist care under one roof, Supreme helps patients understand their diagnosis and make informed decisions about their vascular treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with vascular narrowing, referred for angioplasty or are seeking a specialist second opinion, our team can help you understand your condition and available treatment options.
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