Description of the procedure

Angioplasty opens up blockages in the arteries around the heart and improves blood flow. Although still considered a surgical procedure since there is an opening made in the skin, angioplasty is easier on the patient than coronary bypass surgery.

In this procedure, a special balloon is pushed through a tube inserted into the artery in the groin or wrist and is then inflated to open up portions of the arteries that have become narrow. The opening is very small, less than 1/2 inch long and about 1/20 inch wide so, usually, no stitches are needed.

When should this procedure be performed?

Your doctor will decide when and how frequently this procedure is required.

Why is this procedure performed?

Angioplasty is used to improve blood flow to the heart in cases where the arteries around the heart have narrowed due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the inside walls of your arteries). It is commonly performed on people who have angina, or chest pain that isn't relieved by use of medication. Other times, during an acute heart attack, it is used to quickly open up a completely blocked or very narrow artery.

Angioplasty is easier on the patient than bypass surgery, and, under certain circumstances, has similar long-term results. Often, patients who are treated with angioplasty have to undergo the procedure again due to re-narrowing of the area that was opened up.

Are there any risks and precautions I should know about?

While angioplasty is easier on the patient than bypass surgery and major complications are not common, this procedure does carry some risks. These include bleeding, infection, damage to the artery (that may require emergency bypass surgery), heart attack, stroke, and death. There is also the risk that the affected artery can become narrow again over time, requiring another angioplasty, or bypass surgery.

You may experience pain or soreness at the insertion site.