Angioplasty or Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)
An angioplasty is an invasive cardiology interventional procedure used to widen coronary arteries that have been narrowed by plaques. It utilizes the techniques of cardiac catherization described above to deliver a catheter to the affected coronary artery. This catheter has a tiny balloon on the end of it that is threaded through the narrowing in the artery and then inflated. As the balloon inflates, the plaque is flattened against the wall of the artery, widening the opening of the artery and establishing better blood flow. The balloon may have to be inflated several times.
Often a stent is also placed in the newly widened artery to help keep it open. A stent is a small tube that can be inserted over the balloon. As the balloon expands, the stent is pressed against the inside wall of the artery. When the balloon is deflated, the stent stays in place and helps keep the artery open. Some stents resemble the spring in a ballpoint pen, only much finer.
Angioplasty is not always possible and depends on where the plaque is located. Sometimes the plaque may be too hard to flatten. In these cases, alternative approaches are used. In about one-third of originally successful angioplasties, the blockage slowly reappears at the same site. This is referred to as restenosis and usually occurs within the first six months of the procedure. Sometimes when restenosis occurs, the artery can be reopened with another angioplasty. Other times a stent or bypass surgery is necessary.
After an angioplasty, you may be placed on medications to avoid the formations of blood clots. You should report any return of symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath or fatigue with exertion to your physician. This may be a sign that the coronary artery is narrowing again. Also, if you have had a stent implanted, you should consult with your cardiologist before having an MRI scan.
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