Angioplasty Perth

What is angioplasty and why is it needed?

If you’ve been told you might need angioplasty, you’re probably wondering what it’s all about. Angioplasty is a straightforward procedure we use to open up arteries that have become blocked or narrowed. This narrowing is often caused by plaque build-up—a mix of fatty deposits and other substances that accumulate on the artery walls.
Angioplasty Perth
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Angioplasty Perth

What is angioplasty?

When blood isn’t flowing properly through your arteries, it can cause all sorts of problems—like pain in your legs when you walk or slow-healing wounds on your feet. Angioplasty opens up the arteries and improves blood flow, making you feel better and reducing the risk of complications down the track.

“It’s a common treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, particularly in your legs.”

Dr Nishath Altaf Vascular surgeon Perth
Dr Nishath Altaf

Vascular surgeon Perth

PAD can be more than just uncomfortable—it can lead to serious issues like infections or, in extreme cases, the risk of amputation. Angioplasty is a simple, effective way to get ahead of these problems. 

Why angioplasty is needed

  • To relieve symptoms: PAD can cause severe leg pain, especially during activities like walking (a condition called claudication). Angioplasty improves blood flow and alleviates these symptoms.
  • To prevent complications: Poor blood flow can lead to non-healing wounds or ulcers, which may become infected and increase the risk of amputation. Angioplasty helps prevent these outcomes.
  • To save limbs and lives: In severe cases, PAD can lead to critical limb ischaemia, where blood flow to the legs is so limited that tissue begins to die. Angioplasty can restore blood flow and prevent limb loss.

About the procedure

Angioplasty is done in a specialised hospital area called a cath lab, which is equipped with advanced imaging tools and surgical instruments. Here’s what happens during the procedure:

  1. We use a tiny tube called a catheter, which we guide into the artery through a small puncture in your wrist or groin.
  2. Once we’ve located the blockage using X-ray imaging, we inflate a tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter. The balloon gently pushes the plaque against the artery walls, opening up the artery so blood can flow freely again. Sometimes, we also insert a small metal tube called a stent to keep the artery open for the long term.
  3. Sometimes, we also insert a small metal tube called a stent to keep the artery open for the long term.


The actual angioplasty usually can take up to an hour, and you’ll usually spend about an hour in the cath lab altogether. It’s minimally invasive, and you’ll only need a local anaesthetic to keep things comfortable.

Image: Balloon angioplasty

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure, you may stay in the hospital overnight, just to keep an eye on things and make sure you’re comfortable. Most people are back to their normal activities within a few days. You’ll also get plenty of advice from me and my team on how to take care of yourself going forward, including managing things like smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol to keep your arteries healthy. 

Why it’s important to act early

Symptoms of PAD, like leg pain or wounds that don’t heal, can sneak up on you. It’s easy to brush them off as minor issues, but they could be signs that your blood flow isn’t what it should be.

“Angioplasty is a simple, effective way to improve blood flow, ease your symptoms, and reduce the risk of serious complications. My aim is to help you get back to living your life without worry.” 

Dr Nishath Altaf Vascular surgeon Perth
Dr Nishath Altaf

Vascular surgeon Perth

If you’re concerned about leg pain, ulcers, or anything else that doesn’t feel right, please book an appointment. Getting ahead of the problem now can make all the difference.