Plaque limits the channel for blood flow.
Angioplasty & StentingRestore blood flow—without open surgery.
If walking pain, rest pain, or a slow-healing wound is tied to poor circulation, angioplasty may restore blood flow through a small access point. A stent is added only when the artery needs extra support.
Start with an exam and arterial testing. A procedure is recommended only when it may meaningfully improve symptoms, healing, or limb health.
How blood flow is restoredSee how a balloon opens the artery and when a stent may be added.
Image-guided
A small balloon widens the narrowed area.
A stent may help hold the artery open.
Treated from inside the artery
No large surgical incision
Angioplasty opens the channel
A small balloon widens the narrowed area
A stent is not automatic
It is used when added support may help
How Angioplasty and Stenting Work
A balloon opens the narrowed artery and is removed. A stent may be added only when the artery needs extra support.
Common Symptoms of Poor Circulation
Could poor circulation be causing your symptoms? These signs may mean it is time to check the blood flow in your legs and learn whether treatment could help.
Cramping when you walk
Pain that improves with rest
Numbness or tingling
Cold foot or leg
A sore that will not heal
Skin color changes
Find out what’s causing your symptoms.
Request a Circulation EvaluationA focused circulation evaluation can show whether medication, a walking program, or a procedure may help you feel better and protect your legs.
How Peripheral Angioplasty Works
The specialist reaches the blockage through a small access point instead of a large incision, guiding a catheter through the artery with live X-ray imaging.
Reach the narrowed artery
After the access area is numbed, a thin catheter and guidewire are directed through the artery to the blockage.
Widen the channel
A small balloon is positioned across the narrowed segment and inflated to improve the space available for blood flow.
Support it when needed
A stent may be placed if the artery needs added support. Imaging confirms the final result before the catheter is removed.
Angioplasty vs. Stenting
They do different jobs but may be part of the same treatment plan. A stent is not automatic—your specialist chooses what fits your artery and the result needed.
QuestionAngioplastyStent
Your Angioplasty Evaluation
A scan can show a blockage, but your symptoms, test results, health, and goals determine whether treatment may help.
Your evaluation should make these points clear:
- Whether reduced blood flow explains the symptoms or wound.
- Whether medical therapy and structured walking should come first.
- Which artery needs treatment—and which findings can be left alone.
- Whether angioplasty alone may be enough or a stent may be needed.
- What improvement is realistic and which risks matter most in your case.
- What preparation, recovery, follow-up, and insurance steps come next.
What to Expect Before Treatment
There should be no surprises on procedure day. You will know why treatment is recommended, what may happen, and how to prepare.
Start with an arterial evaluation
Your specialist reviews symptoms, pulse findings, prior records, and any wounds or skin changes.
Map the blood flow
Ankle-brachial index, duplex ultrasound, CT angiography, or other imaging may be used to define the blockage.
Review medicines and safety details
The team confirms allergies, kidney function, blood thinners, diabetes medicines, fasting, and transportation instructions.
Confirm the treatment plan
You receive a clear explanation of the intended approach, possible changes during the procedure, risks, and follow-up.
Recovery and Follow-Up
The procedure may take one day, but protecting the result requires ongoing care. Your instructions will be based on the artery treated and your health.
Observation and access-site checks
The team monitors circulation, the puncture site, and how you feel as sedation wears off.
Protect the access site
Walking, lifting, driving, bathing, and wound-care instructions are tailored to your procedure.
Recheck symptoms and blood flow
A clinic visit, Doppler ultrasound, or ankle-brachial index may be used to assess the result.
Protect the result
Medication, activity, smoking cessation, and control of diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol remain important.
Help With Insurance
Know what to expect before treatment. Share your plan details and our team will help check your benefits, explain what may be covered, and tell you what is needed before scheduling.
Our Team
Three board-certified specialists across three locations.
Harout Dermendjian, MD
Endovascular Specialist
Dr. Dermendjian is a highly experienced specialist known for his steady presence in the procedure room. Patients value his direct and reassuring approach, while referring providers trust his ability to manage complex arterial and venous disease with clarity.
Meet Dr. Dermendjian
Kartik Kansagra, MD
Endovascular Specialist
Dr. Kansagra prioritizes clear, direct communication with patients and referring providers alike. He brings a collaborative approach to complex endovascular cases, ensuring every treatment decision is well understood before it's made.
Meet Dr. Kansagra
Sipan Mathevosian, MD
Endovascular Specialist
Dr. Mathevosian's training in Vascular Interventional Radiology spans arterial disease, venous conditions, and interventional oncology. His technical range makes him the practice's lead for complex embolization cases.
Meet Dr. MathevosianThree Convenient Locations
Start your evaluation close to home. Our team will confirm where any recommended procedure is performed.
Glendale
Vascular consultation and follow-up serving Glendale and surrounding communities.
View Glendale locationSimi Valley
Specialist vascular evaluation and coordinated follow-up in Simi Valley.
View Simi Valley locationLa Cañada Flintridge
Convenient access to EVSLA specialists for consultation and follow-up.
View La Cañada locationProcedure availability can vary by location and clinical need. The scheduling team will confirm the appropriate site.
Common Questions
Angioplasty and stenting, explained plainly. Your specialist will explain what applies to your artery, health, and treatment plan.
What is peripheral angioplasty?
Peripheral angioplasty is an image-guided procedure that uses a small balloon to widen a narrowed or blocked artery outside the heart, commonly in the pelvis or legs.
Is angioplasty the same as a stent?
No. Angioplasty uses a balloon to open the artery. A stent is a small mesh tube that may be left in place to support the artery after it has been opened.
Will I always need a stent?
Not always. The decision depends on the artery, the blockage, the result after balloon treatment, and your overall treatment plan.
Is peripheral angioplasty major surgery?
Peripheral angioplasty is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure rather than open surgery. It uses a small artery access point, but your specialist will still review the risks, preparation, and follow-up with you.
Is peripheral angioplasty painful?
The access area is numbed, and medication may be used to help you relax. You may feel pressure during parts of the procedure. Your care team will explain the anesthesia plan before treatment.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies with the access site, artery treated, procedure complexity, and your health. Many patients begin walking within hours and return home the same day or after observation.
Can the artery narrow again?
Yes. Re-narrowing can occur even after successful treatment. Medication, risk-factor management, symptom monitoring, and follow-up testing are important parts of long-term care.
Does insurance cover angioplasty and stenting?
Coverage depends on your plan, network, medical necessity, and authorization requirements. EVSLA can review plan details and explain what has been confirmed before scheduling.
See if angioplasty is right for you.
An EVSLA specialist will review your symptoms and imaging, explain whether angioplasty alone or a stent may help, and guide you through the next step.