Mesenteric and Subclavian Artery Stenting and Bypass

OVERVIEW

Mesenteric Artery

The mesenteric artery plays a crucial role in our body by delivering oxygen-rich blood and essential nutrients to our intestines, an integral part of our digestive system. This vital artery stems from the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs through our body, providing it with the supplies it needs to function optimally.

Subclavian Artery

The subclavian arteries play a crucial role in circulating oxygen-rich blood from your heart throughout the upper part of your body. Located beneath the collarbones, the left and right subclavian arteries are vital pathways, delivering blood to the neck, head, and arms. These arteries ensure that oxygenated blood is efficiently transported from the heart to vital areas including your head, neck, and arms.

Stenting

Stenting is the placement of a tiny wire mesh tube (stent) in the artery, which supports the artery’s walls and keeps the blood vessels open. A catheter is used to place the stent in your artery. If the artery is severely narrow, it may need to be widened. A tiny balloon on the catheter is used to do this, which is called balloon angioplasty. The balloon is inflated in the narrowest part of the artery, which creates space for the procedure to continue. The balloon is then deflated and removed. The catheter moves the stent to the site of the plaque and is then released, causing it to expand against the surface of the plaque. A balloon is used to open the stent fully, and then the balloon and catheter are removed. Once the stent is placed in the artery, it stays there for life.

Bypass

At Baxter Health, we're committed to your heart's health and well-being. That's why we offer a procedure known as coronary artery bypass grafting, more simply called heart bypass surgery. This operation is designed to help blood flow more easily to your heart. Sometimes, the arteries that supply your heart with blood can get blocked, which might lead to serious heart conditions. Our goal with this surgery is to create a detour around those blockages. We use healthy blood vessels from other parts of your body to make a new path for the blood to reach your heart, ensuring it gets the vital supply it needs.

Our vascular surgery team, Dr. Heath Broussard, Dr. Kent Nachtigal, and Dr. Nestor Arita, specialize in treating a broad range of vascular conditions including, but not limited to, aortic aneurysms, carotid stenosis, peripheral arterial disease, and aortic stenosis. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Baxter Health Heart and Vascular Clinic at 870-508-3200.

Please be advised that the information provided in this article, including but not limited to, treatments, procedures, and any other health-related details, was accurate and up to date at the time of posting. Healthcare is a rapidly evolving field, and advancements or changes in treatments and procedures may occur. We strongly advise patients and readers to always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for the most current advice and treatments before making any medical decisions.