What is Angioplasty (PTCA)?

Angioplasty (PTCA) is an interventional non-invasive procedure performed with the aim of widening narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart to aid in normal healthy blood flow. The purpose of an Angioplasty is to improve blood flow to the heart.

With the assistance of a stent, a balloon is fed through the narrowed section of the artery and blown up to widen the artery. An angioplasty is often accompanied by a stent that is used to keep the artery open and clear after the procedure.

A Good Candidate for Angioplasty (PTCA)

Angioplasty can be used to treat symptoms of Atherosclerosis such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
An Angioplasty can be used after or during a severe heart attack to reduce damage to the heart muscle and increase blood flow to the heart. It can be done on patients with Angina, which is when severe heart pain occurs.

Angioplasty (PTCA) Procedure

The doctor will make a small incision in the groin, arm or wrist to place the catheter. The catheter will be inserted and fed through an artery that leads to your heart. A dye is injected through the catheter into the blood vessels using X-ray images to view the clogged section of your artery.

A thin wire stent (expandable mesh tube) with a deflated balloon at the end of it will be fed through the catheter. As the stent reaches the fatty area, the balloon will be inflated to clamp the fatty tissue, providing more room for blood to flow through to the heart.

After the balloon has been deflated and removed, the stent is typically left inside the artery to keep the artery from narrowing again. Sometimes a medicated stent is used to aid in keeping the artery open. Your doctor will decide whether you need a stent and/or what kind of stent should be used for your specific situation.

Risks and Side Effects of Angioplasty (PTCA)

Angioplasty or bypass surgery has potential risks, although they are rare. The major risks can include heart attack and stroke. Mortality is also a risk with cardiac surgery.

Recovery from Angioplasty (PTCA)

A patient who has undergone an Angioplasty will not be put on a special medication for this procedure. However, it may be a good idea to by over-the-counter pain relievers before the procedure to relieve the slight discomfort that may be experienced after the procedure.

Results of Angioplasty (PTCA)

The idea of having a foreign object, such as a stent or a catheter inside your artery might make you flinch. Keep in mind however, that once the stent is placed inside the artery, the patient does not feel it. The only thing that may be felt is the warm sensation when the dye is inserted into the artery.