A coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to widen coronary arteries that have become blocked or narrowed. These arteries are responsible for supplying the heart with blood.
The term “angioplasty” specifically refers to the use of a balloon catheter to open a narrowed or blocked artery. Today, most angioplasty procedures also include the insertion of a stent, which is a small, expandable mesh tube. The stent remains permanently in the artery to help maintain blood flow.
Coronary angioplasty is also known as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). When angioplasty is performed with stenting, it’s often called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
When is Angioplasty Necessary?
Like any organ, the heart requires a constant and adequate supply of blood, delivered by the coronary arteries.
In some individuals, these arteries can become narrowed and hardened, a condition called atherosclerosis. This can lead to coronary heart disease.
Restricted blood flow to the heart can cause chest pain known as angina, typically triggered by physical exertion or stress.
While medication can often manage angina, a coronary angioplasty may be necessary in severe cases where medication is ineffective in restoring sufficient blood flow to the heart. Angioplasty is also frequently used as an emergency treatment following a heart attack.
Alt: Illustration of angioplasty procedure showing a balloon catheter inflating a stent within a narrowed coronary artery to improve blood flow.
Benefits of Coronary Angioplasty
In most cases, angioplasty significantly improves blood flow through the coronary arteries. Many patients experience a considerable reduction in symptoms and an increased ability to perform activities they couldn’t do before.
For those who have suffered a heart attack, angioplasty can increase the chances of survival compared to clot-busting medications (thrombolysis). The procedure can also lower the risk of future heart attacks.
How Angioplasty is Performed
Coronary angioplasty is performed under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is awake during the procedure.
A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery through a small incision in the groin, wrist, or arm. Using X-ray imaging as a guide, the catheter is advanced to the affected coronary artery.
Once the catheter is in place, a thin wire guides a small balloon to the blocked area of the artery. The balloon is inflated, compressing fatty deposits against the artery wall and widening the artery. This allows blood to flow more freely. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
If a stent is used, it is positioned around the balloon before insertion. When the balloon is inflated, the stent expands and remains in place after the balloon is deflated and removed.
The procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Patients undergoing angioplasty for angina may be able to go home the same day or the following day. Restrictions on heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and driving are usually advised for at least a week. Patients admitted to the hospital after a heart attack may require several days of hospitalization following the angioplasty.
Alt: Close-up image of catheter being inserted into an artery during an angioplasty procedure, highlighting the entry point.
Safety of Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary angioplasty is a common cardiac procedure. As a minimally invasive treatment, it is generally safe for most people.
The risk of serious complications is low, but depends on factors such as:
- Age
- Overall health
- Whether the patient has had a heart attack
Potential serious complications include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Heart attack
- Stroke
More information on the potential risks can be found detailing complications of a coronary angioplasty.
Alternatives to Angioplasty
If multiple coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed, or if the artery structure is abnormal, a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) may be considered.
CABG is an invasive surgical procedure where healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body are used to bypass the blocked sections of the coronary arteries. Blood flow is then diverted through these healthy vessels, bypassing the obstructed areas.
Alt: Diagram illustrating a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure, showing how healthy blood vessels are used to bypass blocked coronary arteries.
More information on potential alternatives can be found detailing alternatives to a coronary angioplasty.
In Conclusion
Angioplasty is a valuable treatment option for individuals with coronary artery disease. Understanding the procedure, its benefits, and potential risks is essential for making informed decisions about cardiac care. If you are experiencing symptoms of heart disease, discuss your options with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
