Lower Extremity Revascularization

Revascularization is a procedure that can restore blood flow in blocked arteries or veins. For someone with peripheral artery disease (PAD), the operation can help ease symptoms and prevent serious complications. The goals are to relieve pain, help you stay active, heal wounds related to lack of blood flow, save your limbs from amputation, and improve your day-to-day life.

People with arteries that are so blocked that blood can't travel to their legs and feet may benefit from a revascularization procedure. But it's not for everyone. The procedure involves performing angioplasty (ballooning) of the narrowed blood vessel and expanding it. Some people get a stent during the procedure to help keep a blood vessel open after removing the balloon.

What to expect

  • Do not eat or drink after midnight

    Do not take herbs before surgery

    You will need a driver when you are discharged from the hospital

    Current Medications

    You are responsible for informing the doctor and the nurse of all medications you are taking. Certain medications may need to be held 1-3 days prior to the procedure. The office will let you know at the time of scheduling the procedure.

    You might need to stop taking blood thinning products before surgery. Please call the office if this has not been addressed during surgery arrangements. See the following examples:

    • Pradaxa

    • Eliquis (Apixaban)

    • Coumadin (Warfarin)

    • Xarelto (Rivoroxaban)

    Continue taking the following medications:

    • Aspirin

    • Plavix (Clopidrogel)

    • Effient (Prasugrel)

    • Aggrenox

    • Ticlid (Ticlopidine)

    Please notify us if you are Diabetic, as certain diabetic medications must be stopped 48 hours before surgery. If you are on any of the following diabetic medications, including insulin, please check with the prescribing physician to see if another medication is needed during the 24-hour period.

    • Metformin (Glucophage)

    • Avandamet

    • Fortamet

    • Glucovance

    • Metaglip

    • Actoplus

    • Glyburide

    *You may take heart and blood pressure medicine in the morning with a small sip of water

    *CONTINUE ALL OTHER MEDICATIONS IF NOT INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE

  • Drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours

    No smoking or chewing tobacco

    See your doctor for a follow-up appointment in 3 weeks

    Bathing: You may shower after 24 hours: no bath, swimming, or hot tubs for five (5) days.

    Lifting: Do not lift objects over 10 pounds for 24 hours; no heavy lifting for two (2) weeks.

    Driving: Do not drive a car or operate machinery or power tools for 24 hours.

    Stairs: If possible, avoid them for 24 hours.

    Wound / Skin Care:

    Leave the dressing on for 24 hours

    Avoid lotions, ointments, or powders at the wound site for one (1) week. No Neosporin.

    Watch for pulsating heavy bleeding and sudden marked swelling at the groin site. If actively bleeding or progressive swelling occurs at the site, lay down and apply direct pressure over the site and notify your physician immediately.

    If your affected foot/limb develops sudden or persistent pain that does not go away, notify your physician immediately

    Some oozing and bruising are common at the groin site. Bruising can occur in areas other than the puncture site due to blood thinners.

    Watch for signs of infection at the incision site or physical symptoms such as:

    • Redness

    • Swelling

    • Hot areas

    • Temperature above 101˚ F

    • Chills

    • Drainage

    • Hardened areas

Additional Information

Critical Limb Ischemia with Balloon Angioplasty and Stents