Angioplasty
Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary angioplasty and stent insertion refers to stretching and opening narrowed or blocked coronary arteries using balloons and stents.
This procedure is usually performed by your consultant if he feels that the blood supply to your heart is compromised and this accounts for symptoms you have been experiencing.
How is it done?
A coronary angioplasty is performed using local anaesthetic, which means you'll be awake while the procedure is carried out.
A thin flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into one of your arteries through an incision in your groin, wrist or arm. This is guided to the affected coronary artery using an X-ray video.
When the catheter is in place, a thin wire is guided down the length of the affected coronary artery, delivering a small balloon to the affected section of artery. This is then inflated to widen the artery, squashing fatty deposits against the artery wall so blood can flow through it more freely when the deflated balloon is removed.
If a stent is being used, this will be around the balloon before it's inserted. The stent will expand when the balloon is inflated and remains in place when the balloon is deflated and removed.
A coronary angioplasty usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours. If you're being treated for angina, you'll normally be able to go home later the same day or the day after you have the procedure. You'll need to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities and driving for at least a week.
If you've been admitted to hospital following a heart attack, you may need to stay in hospital for several days after the angioplasty procedure before going home.
Risks:
Coronary angioplasty and stent insertion is one of the most common types of treatment for the heart. Although it carries some risks these are minimal.
As with all types of surgery, coronary angioplasty carries a risk of complication although they are very rare.
These complications including, bleeding or bruising, damage to the artery, allergic reaction to the contrast, damage to the heart arteries, heart attack, stroke or dying as a result of a complication during the procedure.
Reference:
1. www.nhlbi.nih.gov