Angioplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to open blocked blood vessels that travel to the heart.
What Is Angioplasty?
Angioplasty is acatheterization procedurethat opens arteries blocked or narrowed by a sticky material called plaque.
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Then, a deflated balloon attached to the catheter is inflated to open up the narrowed artery wall.
In some cases, it may require an overnight hospital stay.
Contraindications
Angioplasty may not be right for everyone.
Purpose of Angioplasty
Plaque build-up in the arteriesknown as atherosclerosisleads tocoronary artery disease (CAD).
Left untreated, it can lead to chronic chest pain (angina),heart attack, or stroke.
Mild cases are typically treated withstatinsand heart-healthy lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol.
In fact, it is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States each year.
Angioplasty does not correct atherosclerosis; it only relieves related blockages.
When this happens, a heart attack is very likely unless the artery is opened.
Angioplasty and stenting can help during such an event to improve overall cardiac outcomes.
Other surgical options for treating atherosclerosis include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) andcarotid endarterectomy.
A chest X-ray,electrocardiogram, and blood tests will also be performed.
This test is used in determining if one or more stents may be required.
Location
Angioplasty is performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory located in a hospital.
If your angioplasty is planned, follow related instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Medications
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.
What to Bring
Be prepared to possibly spend at least one night in the hospital.
Prepare what you will need the night before your procedure, especially if you have an early start time.
Be sure to pack your insurance documents and identification along with personal necessities and comfort items.
Arrive at the hospital early to give yourself some extra time for parking and navigating the facility.
From here, you will be brought into the catheterization laboratory where the procedure will take place.
The room may be chilly, but there will be blankets to keep you warm.
You will be connected to an IV and given medications and a mild sedative to help you relax.
During the Procedure
Angioplasty is performed while you are awake.
The procedure is not painful and no incision will be made.
The area will also likely be covered with a cellophane-like sheet.
After numbing the area, the healthcare provider will insert a needle into the artery.
Using the same opening, they will then insert a catheter.
Different types of drug-eluting stents are coated with different medicines.
Upon discharge, you will be sent home with recovery instructions that should be closely followed.
Recovery
Recovery from angioplasty is typically quick.
A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled for two to four weeks after an angioplasty.
Refrain from lifting heavy objects and follow any other restrictions set by your healthcare provider.
This can result in a sudden catastrophic event such as a heart attack or stroke.
Medications may also be prescribed to treat co-occurring conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Your cardiologist may recommend a course ofcardiac rehabilitation.
Cardiac rehabilitation consists of a customized exercise plan developed by a cardiac physical therapist.
Long-Term Care
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease linked to diet and other lifestyle factors.
However, angioplasty only treats individual blockages and is a temporary bandaid on the larger problem of atherosclerosis.
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American College of Surgeons.Quit smoking before your operation.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.Heart treatments.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What are stents.
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