Coronary Angioplasty

What is a Coronary Angioplasty?

A stent is a tiny wire-mesh tube that is inserted into the artery after it is widened and stays in place to prevent the artery from closing. Angioplasty and stent placement can alleviate the blockage of an artery. These two procedures are performed at the same time and they are emergency procedures when someone is having a heart attack

What happens before a Coronary Angioplasty?

You will receive a local anesthesia at the site of the incision. You will also get medication through your veins using an intravenous (IV) line in your arm that will help you relax during the procedure.
 

What happens during a Coronary Angioplasty?

A small incision will be made in your groin to access an artery and a thin, flexible tube known as a catheter will be inserted through the incision.

The catheter will be guided up through your body to your coronary arteries, where they will be viewed using a fluoroscopy. A special dye is injected into the bloodsteam and it will be observed as it moves to detect for any blockages.

A second catheter with a small balloon attached to it will then follow and it will be inflated once it reaches the blocked artery.

A stent is inserted at the same time as the balloon, allowing the artery to remain open and blood flow to return. Once the stent is secure and in place, the catheter will be removed and the stent remains so that there will be no obstruction to bloodflow. The incisions are then closed with stitches. 

What happens after a Coronary Angioplasty?

You will be required to stay in the hospital overnight to ensure there are no complications after the procedure, such as bleeding, blood clots, or problems with blood flow to the heart. Your stay might be required to stay longer if you had a coronary event, such as a heart attack.