Angioplasty

This is a non-invasive procedure done in the inpatient or outpatient hospital setting. It relieves narrowing and obstruction of the arteries to the muscle of the heart (coronary arteries). This procedure is also know as PTCA which stands for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or PCI for percutaneous coronary intervention.

During this procedure, a small catheter is inserted into an artery in the arm, or groin and then advanced to the narrowing artery. Contrast (dye) is injected into the artery for x-ray images. The balloon is inflated for about one minute to enlarge the artery. This allows the plaques to compress and enlarge the opening of the coronary artery.

The balloon is then deflated and removed from the body. This procedure usually takes anywhere from 30 to two hours. Most patients will go home the same day after being monitored, and are advised not to lift anything heavier than 20 pounds or perform vigorous exertion for the first one to two weeks after an angioplasty. Patients are told they may return to their normal activities two to three days after.

Return to specialties