This accumulation of substances called plaque, roughens, hardens, and narrows the arteries, and impedes blood flow. This narrowing is called stenosis. Nobody knows exactly why atherosclerosis occurs, but certain risk factors seem to contribute to this process.
Blood is pumped out of the heart through the large artery known as the aorta.
If left untreated, aneurysms continue to grow and can fill with clots, which can travel to the legs. Eventually, the aneurysms may rupture, causing massive internal bleeding and possibly death. The balloon is inflated and presses the plaque against the vessel wall in order to restore proper blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed from the artery. Prior to undergoing any treatment for PVD, you will have had a diagnostic angiogram.