A peripheral vascular intervention (PVI), also known as a peripheral angioplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure that can improve blood flow to the pelvis or legs when a person has peripheral artery disease. Our doctor advances a catheter (a long narrow tube) with a tiny balloon on its tip up into the artery until it reaches the site that the plaque buildup is causing the blockage. A wire is then passed through the blocked area that allows the doctor to use the equipment necessary to fix the blockage.

The equipment can include balloons, stents or other more specialized devices depending on the nature and severity of the disease. These devices are then passed along the wire to the desired location. The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery wall, opening up the passageway and restoring blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed. In most cases, your doctor may determine that a stent needs to be inserted where the blockage was to keep the artery open after the balloon is removed.­