Visceral Endarterectomy, Bypass, Angioplasty and Stents

Visceral diseases can be either sudden or chronic (develop over time) conditions that affect the arteries that provide blood to the intestines, spleen, and liver. Visceral disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries"). In rare instances, visceral artery conditions involve aneurysms, balloon-like weak areas in the arteries. There are various procedures that can be used to return blood flow to normal:

Angioplasty and Stents - During this minimally invasive procedure, a catheter with a balloon attached to the end is inserted through the blocked artery. Once the catheter reaches the blockage or narrowing, the balloon is inflated to widen the artery. Sometimes, a stent is inserted to the point of occlusion (blockage). Once positioned, it is expanded to keep the artery wall from re-narrowing.
Bypass - A visceral bypass is a surgical procedure that bypasses the occluded or aneurismal artery. There are several variations of this procedure.
Endarterectomy - In a visceral endarterectomy, your surgeon removes the plaque from the inner lining of your blocked artery. This procedure widens the artery and returns blood flow to normal.

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