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Why is the doctor performing this procedure?
To open up
coronary (heart) arteries that are narrowed or blocked by plaque build-up
(atherosclerosis).
What is the procedure?
Percutaneous transluminal coronary
angioplasty is commonly called PTCA, or just angioplasty. A catheter is inserted
into an artery-usually in the groin-but sometimes in the arm or wrist. The
catheter is advanced to the heart, and a series of x-ray pictures (coronary
angiogram) are taken to clearly visualize the heart arteries that are narrowed.
Then a balloon-tipped catheter is advanced to the heart, and into the narrowed
coronary artery. Inside the artery, the balloon is inflated and deflated several
times, compressing the plaque against the artery wall and widening the artery so
blood flow improves.
X-rays pictures are repeated, and if the artery has been successfully
re-opened, the catheters are removed. Pressure is applied to the puncture site
(to stop bleeding) while the patient rests quietly.
Where is the procedure performed?
In the Cardiac
Catheterization Lab.
How long does this procedure take?
PTCA (angioplasty)
usually takes 1-2 hours.
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