Coronary Angiography & Stenting
Coronary angiography uses a catheter and contrast to show the heart arteries. A stent may be considered when opening a narrowed artery is likely to benefit the patient.
Peripheral Angiography & Angioplasty
Peripheral angiography defines leg-artery blockages. Angioplasty, atherectomy, or stenting may restore flow when expected benefit justifies treatment.
Thrombectomy (Clot Removal)
Catheter thrombectomy removes selected blood clots from deep veins or limb arteries. It is not necessary for every DVT or vascular occlusion.
Venous Ablation & Stenting
Venous ablation and venous stenting solve different problems. Ultrasound and anatomic imaging help determine which treatment, if either, is appropriate.
PROCEDURES
How Flow approaches procedures
When a procedure may help, Dr. Patel considers the diagnosis, expected benefit, alternatives, and risk, then recommends the least invasive approach that fits the problem.
Some problems are better managed with medication, risk-factor treatment, exercise, compression, observation, or another specialist’s care.
PROCEDURE GUIDE
Which treatments are available?
Coronary angiography and stenting
Coronary angiography provides detailed images of the heart arteries. When a narrowing is likely to explain important symptoms or presents another clear reason for treatment, angioplasty and stenting may be considered. A visible blockage alone does not automatically require a stent.
Peripheral angiography and angioplasty
Peripheral angiography defines arterial disease affecting the limbs. When reduced blood flow is limiting function, preventing wound healing, or threatening tissue—and nonprocedural treatment is not sufficient—angioplasty, atherectomy, or stenting may be considered.
Thrombectomy (clot removal)
Catheter-based thrombectomy removes selected clots from deep veins or limb arteries. It is not needed for every deep vein blood clot (DVT) or blocked blood vessel; timing, clot location, symptom severity, threatened tissue, bleeding risk, and the likely value of intervention all matter.
Venous ablation and venous stenting
These procedures treat different venous problems. Ablation closes selected superficial veins with faulty valves; venous stenting supports a narrowed or compressed deep vein. Ultrasound and, when needed, additional imaging help determine which treatment—if either—fits the underlying cause.
HOW A DECISION IS MADE
How do we choose a treatment?
- Clarify the problemSymptoms, daily limitations, prior treatment, examination, and urgency establish what needs to be solved.
- Define its significanceTesting is used to determine where disease is present and whether it is likely to explain the problem.
- Compare reasonable optionsMedication, exercise, compression, observation, a catheter procedure, or surgical referral may each be appropriate.
- Weigh benefit against riskExpected improvement, durability, bleeding or contrast risk, kidney function, recovery, and the alternative of no procedure are considered together.
PROCEDURE SETTING
Where will my procedure take place?
Consultations, evaluation, and follow-up take place at Flow Heart & Vascular in Mesa. If a procedure is recommended, the facility is selected according to urgency, complexity, the need for anesthesia or surgical backup, other medical conditions, and insurance requirements. The team confirms the location, preparation, and recovery plan before the procedure.
SECOND OPINIONS
Would a second opinion help?
Dr. Patel can review the symptoms, prior testing and imaging, expected benefit, and reasonable alternatives. A second opinion may confirm the plan, refine it, or identify a nonprocedural approach.
RELATED READING
Learn about your condition and tests
NEXT STEP
How do I get started?
You do not need to know which treatment you need. Request an appointment for a thoughtful evaluation, or call the office with a scheduling question.
