Angioplasty, also known as PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty), opens blocked arteries to restore normal blood flow to the heart. Blocked arteries usually result from coronary artery disease, a condition in which artery walls are covered in a plaque composed of cholesterol and calcium. Over time, the arteries harden and narrow, and they may become fully blocked. When arteries cannot deliver significant oxygen to the heart, a patient may have angina (chest pains) or a heart attack. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) whenever possible. It may be performed directly after an angiogram.
An overnight hospital stay is generally required. The angioplasty can take 30 minutes to several hours.
Once a patient is prepped for an angioplasty, the procedure begins with insertion of a needle into a large artery in the groin area or arm. A flexible catheter is threaded through the artery to the heart. Patients may experience a burning sensation, pressure, heart palpitations, or shortness of breath during the procedure. In balloon angioplasty, a tiny balloon is inserted into the blocked area of the artery. The balloon is inflated and deflated several times, opening the artery and restoring blood flow. During the procedure, it is common to feel chest pain while the balloon is being inflated, but this subsides once the balloon is deflated. Occasionally a stint (a little wire frame work) will be placed over the balloon prior to inflation and left in place to keep the artery open once the balloon is removed. Atherecotmy, or removal of plaque, is also performed during angioplasty. A number of procedures for an Atherecotmy are available including laser, rotational, directional, and transluminal extraction. The patient's doctor will use the best method for the patient's medical case. After an angioplasty, pressure, or sometimes sutures, is applied to the catheter insertion site. |
Patients will be sore for a few days. Recovery time will depend on the patient's health and the intensity of the procedure.
Patients will take aspirin or anti platelet medication indefinitely after an angioplasty. Medication for patients with stints is also crucial after surgery. A small bruise or bump may appear at the insertion site for a time, but it will subside. Regular blood tests will be required after an angioplasty. 
