Angioplasty

Why an Angioplasty

Coronary artery disease is the build-up of plaque inside the coronary arteries. No one knows the exact cause of this disease. But there are certain risk factors that are believed to contribute to the disease. Some of these risk factors we have no control over; but there are several that we can control or change (see below).

Angioplasty is one form of treatment for coronary artery disease. It is a procedure that opens up a blocked artery without surgery. Not everyone with coronary artery disease is a candidate for angioplasty. Some can be treated with medications; others may need coronary artery bypass surgery. Your doctor will tell you whether an angioplasty is appropriate for you and why.

A successful angioplasty may relieve your symptoms, but it does not cure coronary artery disease. Your nurse will give you information about controlling your risk factors.

Risk factors we cannot control
Family history
Increasing age

Major controllable risk factors
Cigarette smoking
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Physical inactivity

Contributing risk factors
Stress
Diabetes
Obesity

Coronary Interventions

Angioplasty can be done at the time of a catheterization or it may be scheduled for a later date. The preparation and beginning of the procedure are much like that of the catheterization. The actual opening of the blocked artery can be done in several ways. Your doctor will explain which of the following will be used for you.

Balloon dilatation-a small balloon is inflated to push the plaque against the wall of the artery.

Stent-a small device, like a hollow tube, stays in the artery, serving as a "tunnel" for blood flow and reinforcing the artery walls.

Thrombolytics-called "clot-busters," these drugs can dissolve a clot that has attached itself to the plaque inside an artery, blocking the flow of blood. The clot-buster is given through a catheter directly into the heart artery.

Atherectomy-the plaque is shaved or cut with a tiny blade or burr. This device can only be used in large and straight arteries.

Risks of Catheterization and Angioplasty

Although the risks of a major complication are small, they do exist anytime someone undergoes an invasive procedure such as a cardiac catheterization or angioplasty. The major risks include, but are not limited to:

Dye allergy (iodine)
Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
Bleeding from puncture sites or major organs
Infection of the puncture site, heart valves, or other organs
Stroke
Heart attack or death
Emergency heart surgery

There also may be minor discomforts associated with cardiac catheterization and angioplasty including, but not limited to:

Bruising and or a "bump" at the groin puncture site.
Mild pain or discomfort at the groin puncture site for several days after the procedure.
Drowsiness from the medications given prior to or during the procedure.
Back discomfort from lying on