Which of the following is NOT a step in Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stent Placement?

In the context of Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) and Stent Placement, the procedure involves several specific steps that focus on mechanically opening blocked arteries and supporting them with stents. One of the commonly employed techniques is the use of a catheter that carries an inflated balloon to dilate the narrowed sections of the blood vessels. Additionally, the hemodynamic pressures are measured before, during, and after the procedure to assess the efficacy of the intervention. Post-dilation is also a typical step taken to ensure that the stent remains patent and that blood flow is restored adequately.

Introducing a thrombolytic agent, however, is not a standard step within the PTA and stent placement procedure. Thrombolytics are typically used in cases of acute thromboembolic events, where the goal is to dissolve existing blood clots rather than mechanically open the artery, which is the primary focus of angioplasty and stenting. Thus, while thrombolytic agents play a critical role in certain vascular interventions, they are not involved in the fundamental steps of PTA and stent placement. This distinction is important for understanding when and how different medical interventions are applied in practice.