Angioplasty - Know More!

Angioplasty is referred to as a cardiac procedure which involves widening the narrowed section of a coronary artery. Usually performed by an interventional cardiologist, this procedure is performed in a cardiac catheterization lab, short for a cath lab. An interventional cardiologist takes extra care to review the risks, in addition to obtaining your consent prior to preparing you for the procedure. The doctor also refers to your medical history in order to determine the amount of anesthesia that should be used.

What happens during the procedure?

Although mild sedatives will be administered to help you relax, the process requires you to remain awake throughout the procedure.

The procedure of angioplasty involves cardiac catheterization. The doctor numbs (local anaesthesia) the intended site either your wrist or groin. Following this, the doctor inserts a thin sheath in your artery through which all the desired catheters are passed. A long, narrow, empty tube known as a catheter, is then carefully guided through the sheath, through the blood vessels and into the arteries near the heart.

A little amount of liquid (radio-opaque contrast agent) is then injected through the catheter which moves through the vessels of the heart. This flow of contrast is then pictured with the help of X-rays, with which the doctors can diagnose the condition and narrowing (stenosis) of the coronary arteries. With help of balloon catheter, narrowed arteries are dilated to make the artery lumen wider and then one or more stents are implanted at the needed site to maintain the patency of artery.

The angioplasty lasts around 1 hour but the preparation and post-procedure care may take more time. The patient is usually made to stay overnight in ICU under monitored care of medical personnel.

What to expect before an Angioplasty?

Most people are made to undergo few blood tests and electrocardiogram (ECG) before having an angioplasty. The patients are advised to stay empty stomach for around 6-12 hours before the procedure.

What happens post-procedure?

After the procedure, you will be instructed to lie flat for 5-6 hours without bending the leg (if the procedure has been done through groin), so as to prevent bleeding. The nurse will instruct you as to when you can get up from your bed. In case the procedure has been done through wrist, a compression bandage is applied for a few hours around the wrist to prevent any bleeding.

Oral medicines including blood thinning drugs and statins which are started preoperatively, are continued after the procedure as well.