Peripheral angioplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the peripheral arteries, which are the arteries located outside the heart and brain. This condition, often caused by atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits), can lead to reduced blood flow to the limbs, resulting in symptoms like pain, weakness, or ulcers.

During the procedure, a catheter equipped with a small balloon is inserted into the affected artery through a small incision, typically in the groin or arm. Once positioned at the site of the blockage, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the fatty deposits against the arterial walls and expands the artery to improve blood flow. In some cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) may be placed to keep the artery open.

Peripheral angioplasty is often preferred due to its lower risk and quicker recovery time compared to open surgical bypass procedures. Patients may experience relief from symptoms and an improved quality of life following the procedure. However, there may be potential risks and complications, such as bleeding, infection, or re-narrowing of the artery, necessitating careful patient selection and post-procedure monitoring.