What are the Dangers of Balloon Dilation of an Artery?

Angioplasty is the dilation of an artery with a balloon. Contrast dyes are first injected so that the surgeon can guide a catheter through the blood vessels. Balloon dilation is often used with stent placement, the positioning of wire mesh to help keep an artery open. Angioplasty is only a temporary measure and not a cure for blocked arteries. With each repeated balloon dilation, the risks increase.

Allergic Reactions

• The large amount of contrast dye used can affect kidney function.

  You may experience an allergic reaction when having a balloon dilation of an artery. You could be allergic to the contrast dye, the stent material (if you’re having a stent put in) or the drugs used for anesthesia or those to prevent blood-clotting. The website resource “RadiologyInfo.org,” developed by the American College of Radiology and the Radiology Society of North America, explains that the contrast material used to help your surgeon identify the blockage and guide the catheter through your vessels can cause kidney problems. It can reduce kidney function or cause kidney failure. Dr. Damien Mosquera, of the website “Vascular.co.nz,” says that allergic reactions to this dye are uncommon and most often occur in people with already damaged kidneys. Other allergic reactions to the dye include asthma, heart beat changes, low blood pressure, skin rashes and vomiting.

Bleeding and Blood Clots

• The formation of blood clots can lead to heart attack or stroke.

  Harvard University’s Dr. Larry Weinrauch explains that bleeding or clots can occur at the point of insertion for the catheter, within a stent, or within the blood vessels. You’ll be given blood thinners to reduce the risk of a blood clot because they can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Mosquera says that a false aneurysm can develop at the insertion site in the artery. This pulsating lump is a clot with blood inside that develops after the catheter is removed and the blood pulses through the tiny hole left by the catheter. It is easily treated with blood clotting agents that block the hole.

Damage to Blood Vessels

• The catheter may strip the lining of the blood vessel

  “RadiologyInfo.org” explains that the catheter may bruise or puncture the blood vessels it is traveling through. Dr. Mosquera says that this is especially true when an artery is badly diseased. The catheter may also strip the lining of the blood vessel.

Infection and Recuperation

• There is always the risk of infection.

  Any procedure that punctures the skin carries with it the risk of infection, explains “RadiologyInfo.org,” but this risk is lower with balloon dilation than it is with bypass surgery. Not only is the cost of angioplasty much less than surgery, only local anesthesia is required. No major incision is made and you’re able to resume your normal activities shortly after the balloon dilation.

Not a Cure

• Dr. Weinrauch and "RadiologyInfo.org" stress that balloon dilation of an artery is not a cure. Diet and exercise, stress management and medications are all treatments for blocked arteries that can have long-term benefits. Restenosis refers to repeated blockage of the same artery and angioplasty may be repeated. Angioplasty only helps about half of the patients with renal vascular hypertension because of atherosclerosis, says "RadiologyInfo.org." Balloon dilation of arteries involved in peripheral artery disease (PAD) isn't as successful when many blood vessels are narrowed or when very small vessels are involved. It's still unclear how beneficial angioplasty in the carotid artery is.

  A recent study by the Cleveland Clinic has found that when it comes to high-risk patients, those with many blocked vessels and accompanying diabetes, high blood pressure or heart failure, bypass surgery is much more beneficial than angioplasty. High-risk patients were twice as likely to die after balloon dilation or stenting as those who had bypass surgery.