What is Angioplasty?
What
is a Stent?
Angioplasty, or PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty), is a
non-surgical procedure 
used to dilate open arteries that have a narrowing.
Angioplasty is performed in order to relieve chest pain (angina) or a heart
attack, and restore normal blood flow.
The approach to an angioplasty is very similar to what you would experience during a heart catheterization. In fact, an angioplasty is sometimes performed after the heart catheterization is completed, during the same procedure. You will be instructed to not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure. An EKG and blood tests will also be obtained.
During an angioplasty, the doctor inserts a thin plastic tube (guide catheter) from the leg or arm and feeds it up to the heart using X-ray guidance. The doctor then injects liquid X-ray dye through the guide catheter into the heart arteries. High-speed X-ray movie pictures are taken, which allow the doctor to see the narrowing to be opened. Blood thinner is given at the beginning of the procedure.
The physician then chooses the size of the balloon to be used to open the artery, depending on how big the artery is. A thin metal wire is steered across the narrowing, and the balloon is advanced over the wire across the narrowing. The balloon is then inflated, which expands the artery open, and compresses the cholesterol build-up against the artery wall. In many cases, a stent, or metal wire tube, is then permanently inserted into the artery, to support the artery open, and to decrease the likelihood of the artery re-narrowing in the future.
Occasionally, other types of catheters are used as well. These include an atherectomy catheter, which cuts plaque out, or a rotablator catheter, which burrs through the narrowing and pulverizes the plaque. An Angiojet catheter can be used to suck blood clot out of the artery.
The angioplasty procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours, but may take longer. When the balloon or stent is inflated, you may experience chest pain or pressure; this is because the balloon temporarily blocks blood flow while it is inflated. This is to be expected, but you should notify your nurse if you have discomfort.
The risks of an angioplasty are generally low. However, they are different for each individual. Ask your doctor to discuss the risks of your procedure with you before your angioplasty.
After completion of the procedure, the catheter in your groin or arm will be removed, often a few hours later in order to allow the blood thinner to clear from your body. You may have to keep your leg straight for several hours after the procedure. Most people go home from the hospital one or two days after completion of the procedure. Do not lift anything heavy or perform strenuous exercise for 3 days after you have been sent home, and keep your groin area clean and dry. Take any medications as prescribed by your physician.