Balloon Angioplasty

What is it?

Angioplasty is a procedure that opens narrowed or blocked arteries of your heart. This test may be used to treat:

• Persistent chest pain

• Blockage of one or more coronary (heart) arteries

• Blockage in a coronary artery during or after a heart attack

 How does it work?

Over time blood flow can be reduced due to fat and cholesterol buildup in your arteries. Angioplasty allows your doctor to insert a balloon catheter into those narrowed arteries. Once the balloon catheter is inflated it can compress the fatty buildup against the wall
of your artery and restore blood flow to your heart.

What should I expect?

This procedure is done in the hospital. You will be awake during the procedure. A small IV will be placed in your arm for medication.  Your vital signs will be monitored the entire time throughout the procedure. You will be given pain medication before the procedure begins. Your doctor will numb your groin area and make a small incision to allow him to thread a catheter into your vein. The he or she will direct this catheter into your heart. Dye will then be injected into the catheter, which allows your doctor to use x-rays to look for any blockages in your heart. If a blockage is found, the balloon catheter is moved into or near the blockage. At this point your doctor will inflate the balloon which opens up the blocked vessel. In some cases he may use a device called a stent to keep the
blocked vessel open. If this occurs, it will remain in your vessel after the procedure is over. 

During recovery, you will be asked to lie flat on your back for a certain amount of time. Your vital signs and pressure dressing on your groin will be checked frequently. You may have pain medication if needed.

Angioplasty does not cure the cause of heart blockage. Your arteries may become narrowed or blocked again. That is way it is important for you to exercise, watch your diet, stop smoking (if you smoke) and reduce your stress. This will help prevent re-narrowing of your arteries. Most people are instructed to take aspirin or a medication called plavix after the procedure. It is very important to take any medication your doctor prescribes for you. Failure to do so could cause blood clotting in your stent or a heart attack. When you go home the skin around the puncture site on your groin area may be bruised or slightly swollen. This may last for several weeks.

Notify your doctor if you notice new bleeding, increased tenderness, fever or redness and drainage from the site. Also let your
doctor know if there is a change in the color or sensation of your leg used in the angioplasty.