Vascular Surgery [posted 7/27/98]
Question: My father just found out that he has vascular occlusions from the hips down. Can you tell me about this disease and about the procedure for the surgery? The doctors are planning to do a balloon type procedure for surgery. My dad lives out of town and I cannot make it to the meeting with the doctors.

Answer: The balloon angioplasty is by far the best option if his anatomy will allow it. In this procedure, a balloon is inserted in the artery and inflated when passed through the narrowing. Occasionally, the narrowing is too long or too small for complete opening and surgery is necessary in this case. Risks include rupture, emboli from the balloon, infection and bleeding.

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