Angioplasty is a way of relieving blockage in a coronary artery without surgery. During the procedure, a fine plastic tube, called a catheter, is inserted through a blockage in the coronary artery. A wire mesh stent containing a balloon is located near the end of the catheter. The balloon is inflated, pressing the stent and the blockage to the sides of the artery. The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn, leaving the stent open and allowing greater blood flow.

Why do I need it?
The cardiologist has determined through a heart catheterization that there is a blockage in the blood flow to your heart. In your case, angioplasty is the best way to clear the blockage.

What are the risks?
There may be a small bruise around the site where the catheter needle was inserted; this is quite normal. Other complications that might occur are: heart attack, stroke, damage to the heart, damage to or blocking of the blood vessel, bleeding, infection, loss of limb, and, in rare cases, death. Emergency coronary bypass surgery may be necessary if a serious complication occurs. However, angioplasty is normally very safe, with few significant side effects.

What can I expect during the test?

• An intravenous line (IV) will be started in your arm so that sedatives and fluids, if needed, can be given.
• You will lie on an x-ray table and monitoring devices will be attached to your chest, arm and finger. You may be given oxygen through a small tube in your nose.
• The skin near your groin, usually the right side, will be shaved and cleaned with an antiseptic or the wrist artery may be used.
• A needle will be inserted into the artery in your upper groin or wrist. A guide wire is placed through the needle and into the artery. The needle is then taken out, allowing a catheter to be placed over the wire and into the artery.
• The physician then x-rays the area to ensure that the wire and catheter are located very close to the blockage.
• Next, the wire and catheter are moved so that they pass into the blockage. The stent is placed and the balloon inflated to move the blockage out of the way so blood can flow normally.
• The cardiologist checks progress by injecting a contrast medium, a dye-like liquid, through the catheter to show how much of the narrowed artery has opened.
• When a good result has been obtained, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is removed.

How long does it take?
The procedure can last up to two (2) hours. After the procedure you will be taken to your room and monitored overnight. The cardiologist will see you the next morning and discharge you, unless there is a complication.

How do I prepare?

• No food or liquids after midnight on the evening before.
• Take your prescribed medications unless otherwise advised.
• If you are a diabetic, please ask the cardiologist for instructions.

How do I get the results?
The cardiologist will give you the results in the lab or later when you are less groggy from the medications.