Did you know that heart disease kills one person in the United States every 34 seconds?
Since vascular problems are so common nowadays, it’s crucial to stay in touch with your doctor so you can catch any warning signs early. If you make lifestyle changes and get preventative procedures done, you can lower your risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke.
Have you ever wondered about the most common vascular procedures doctors use today? Read on to learn about three incredible treatments that save lives.
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1. Balloon Angioplasty
A balloon angioplasty is one of the most common vascular surgery procedures out there. This procedure involves inserting a small catheter with a balloon on the end of it into someone’s blood vessel. By inflating and deflating this balloon with precision, doctors can often remove harmful blockages from people’s blood vessels that could otherwise lead to cardiac arrest.
Vascular programs are evolving each year so that patients can get the best care possible. You can learn more about how a vascular interventional radiologist can save your life if you’re dealing with heart issues.
2. Stenting
People with peripheral artery disease or any other cardiovascular condition that compromises their blood flow can benefit from having a stent placed in their bodies. The first step that doctors take is opening up the blood vessels so that they can reach their full potential. Next, they place a small but rigid tube in the blood vessel to ensure that it stays open.
This can sound like an intimidating procedure, but it’s minimally invasive and super effective. The best part is that a stent will last the rest of your life and it only comes with a tiny risk of re-narrowing.
3. Thrombolysis
It’s startling to realize how many people develop blood clots in their cardiovascular system. If these clots are large enough and get dislodged, they can travel through the blood vessels and cause a heart attack or stroke. It’s crucial to treat clots as soon as you discover them so they can get eliminated.
Thrombolysis involves inserting a catheter to deliver clot-busting medication where it’s needed most. Catheters may also have a mechanical device that can physically break up the clots as well. Some people who are rushed to the hospital after already experiencing a heart attack or stroke can still live if doctors discover and destroy blood clots as soon as possible.
These Are Some of the Most Common Vascular Procedures
It’s astonishing to reflect on how far vascular procedures have come throughout history. There are so many vascular treatments that involve tiny incisions and they can revitalize the entire cardiovascular system. Now that you’ve learned more about the most common options, you can figure out which treatment could be best for you.
Are you fascinated by the world of healthcare? If you’d like to dive into more wellness articles, then you should have a look around our blog.
