Coronary angioplasty is a procedure that restores blood flow to the heart muscle by opening narrow or blocked coronary arteries. Some coronary artery disease patients may be treated with this surgical procedure to remove built-up plaque from inside their arteries.
Why would my doctor suggest this?
According to Heart.org, people with blockages in their heart arteries may need angioplasty if they are having a lot of chest pains, or if their blockages are putting them at risk of suffering from a heart attack or even death.
How does the procedure work?
1. A doctor numbs a spot on your groin or
arm and inserts a small tube (catheter) into an artery.
2. The catheter is threaded through the arterial system until it gets into a coronary (heart) artery.
3. Watching on a special X-ray screen, the doctor moves the catheter into the artery. Next, a very thin wire is threaded through the catheter and across the blockage. Over this wire, a catheter with a thin, expandable balloon on the end is passed to the blockage.
4. The balloon is inflated. It pushes plaque to the side and stretches the artery open, so blood can flow more easily. This may be done more than once.
5. In many patients, a collapsed wire mesh tube (stent) mounted on a special balloon, is moved over the wire to the blocked area.
6. As the balloon is inflated, it opens the stent against the artery walls. The stent locks in this position and helps keep the artery open.
7. The balloon and catheters are taken out. Now the artery has now been opened, and your heart will get the blood it needs.
What are the associated side effects or possible complications?
During an angioplasty, you’ll be
awake and alert the entire time. However, you may be given medicine to help you relax as it does cause very little pain. The doctor will simply numb the place where the catheter will be inserted, and you may feel some pressure before and after the catheter is put in.
You also may experience some bruising and soreness after the catheter is taken out but if you notice any bleeding or increased pain or swelling, tell your doctor. There’s a small risk that a blood clot can form inside the stent, blocking blood flow in the artery.
However, your doctor will prescribe aspirin or other medicine to help thin out your blood and prevent this. Lastly, it’s suggested to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous physical activity for 1-2 days after the procedure.
If your doctor is suggesting this procedure as a treatment of your coronary artery disease, make sure to do your research. It’s important to know the side effects, costs, and procedure associated with this method of treatment. Find out more about coronary artery disease and its effects on our Health Conditions tab on BlackDoctor.org.
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