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| Using an inflatible baloon devise to open clogged arteries |
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), or angioplasty, is an invasive procedure performed to reduce or eliminate blockages in coronary arteries. The goal of PTCA is to restore blood flow to blood-deprived heart tissue, reduce the need for medication, and eliminate or reduce the number of episodes of angina (chest pain).
Opening a blockage in a coronary artery typically involves the use of an angioplasty balloon. The arteries are accessed through a needle puncture made in the groin (femoral artery) or arm (brachial artery). A catheter wire with a balloon situated toward the end of it is fed through the artery and up to the heart. Once the cardiologist has the balloon positioned, he will inflate it, pushing the plaque outward against the walls of the artery, creating more flow through the artery. Often, a stent is implanted after the angioplasty to keep the artery open and prevent restenosis (regrowth of plaque). More than one blockage can be treated during a single session, depending on the location of the blockages and the patient’s condition. The procedure can take 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the number of blockages being treated.
Indications
Angioplasty is recommended for patients with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Blockage (stenosis) of one or more coronary arteries
- Angina not well controlled with medication
- Angina that disrupts daily activities, occurs at rest (i.e., without exercise or exertion), or recurs after heart attack
