Femoral Iliac Stent Case Study

Introduction

Femoral iliac stent placement is surgery to place a small metal tube (stent) into a blood vessel in the thigh. The stent is placed in a blood vessel that moves blood from the heart to the leg (iliac artery). The purpose of the stent is to keep the artery open. You may need this procedure if you have a narrow, blocked, or damaged iliac artery that does not provide enough blood flow to the leg.

Tell a health care provider about:

Any allergies you have.

All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.

Any blood disorders you have.

Any surgeries you have had.

Any medical conditions you have.

Whether you

This test compares blood pressure in your arm and ankle.

Doppler ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to check blood flow.

CT scan.

MRI.

X-rays.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the electrical patterns and rhythms of the heart.

You may be asked to shower with a germ-killing soap.

Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.

What happens during the procedure?

To lower your risk of infection:

Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.

Your skin will be washed with soap.

Hair may be removed from the surgical area.

An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.

You will be given one or more of the following:

A medicine to help you relax (sedative).

A medicine to numb the area for the procedure (local anesthetic).

A small incision will be made in your upper thigh area or groin area, in an iliac artery.

A small wire will be inserted into the artery and moved through the artery.

Dye may be injected into your artery and X-rays may be done to help identify where the stent is needed. The dye helps blood flow show up on X-rays.

A long, thin tube (catheter) will be inserted into the same spot as the small wire. It will be moved up the artery to reach the blocked or narrow