Peripheral arterial stenting at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital

What is peripheral arterial stenting?

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when plaque (a fatty deposit) builds up on your artery walls causing a restriction in the flow of blood and oxygen to your limbs. The most common area affected is your legs. Many people with peripheral arterial disease experience no symptoms in the early stages. But as your veins continue to narrow you may begin to experience aching in your leg muscles brought on by physical activity such as walking. Other symptoms may include:

• Numbness in feet and toes
• Cold, pale lower limbs
• Hair loss on your legs or slow-growing toenails
• Wounds that are slow to heal on your legs or feet
• Hair loss on your legs
• Change in skin colour on your legs and feet

If conservative methods to treat your PAD are not successful, your consultant may recommend peripheral arterial stenting. Peripheral arterial stenting is a minimally invasive procedure during which a small mesh tube called a stent is inserted into an artery.

What are the benefits of peripheral arterial stenting?

Peripheral arterial stenting should provide relief of the symptoms caused by the blocked artery. While angioplasty with stent placement addresses an individual blockage, it doesn’t fix the underlying cause of the blockage. To prevent further blockages and reduce your risk of other medical conditions, you may be advised to make certain lifestyle changes.

Is peripheral arterial stenting right for me?

Your vascular surgeon will only recommend peripheral arterial stenting if you are significantly limited by your symptoms, and conservative management is no longer effective.

What happens during peripheral arterial stenting?

Peripheral arterial stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that is done through a small incision in your groin. A thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the affected artery. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated and forces the artery to open. A stent is inserted at the same time as the balloon and expands with the balloon. Once it is in place and secure, the balloon and catheter are removed.

Recovery from peripheral arterial stenting

Your length of hospital stay will depend on the type of surgery performed and your individual recovery.

Our team of specialist physiotherapists will provide expert treatment, rehabilitation and advice during your hospital stay, and if appropriate follow-up as an outpatient to support your full recovery.

Why choose Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London for your peripheral arterial stenting?

At Nuffield Health at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, our vascular surgeons will provide you with quick access to treatment with a treatment plan which is personalised to you. During a consultation, our consultants will discuss your treatment options and recommend the most effective and least invasive procedure possible for your condition.

To enhance your time spent in the hospital and patient experience, all our consultants are fully supported by our attentive matron-led nursing team. Our nursing staff pride themselves on providing unrivalled comfort and first-class care.

How to book a consultation with our experts at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London?

Booking a consultation to see one of our vascular surgeons is easy. Simply call our dedicated hospital enquiry team on 020 3386 9006 and they will book you a consultation at a time and date convenient for you.

Alternatively, if you are unsure about the consultation process or the procedure, our enquiry team will be more than happy to answer your questions.