How a coronary angioplasty is performed?
A coronary angioplasty is performed using a local anesthetic, which means you will be awake while the procedure is carried out. During an angioplasty, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into one of your arteries through an incision in your groin, wrist, or arm. This will be guided to the affected coronary artery using a continuous X-ray video. When the catheter is in place, a thin wire is guided down the length of the affected coronary artery, over which a small balloon will be delivered to the affected section of the artery. This is then inflated to widen the artery, squashing fatty deposits against the artery wall so that blood can flow through it more freely when the deflated balloon is removed. If a stent is being used, this will be provided ready-prepared around a balloon before its insertion. The stent will expand when the balloon is inflated and it will remain in place when the balloon is deflated and removed. A coronary angioplasty usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours depending upon the case. If you are being treated for angina, you will normally be able to go home later the same day or the day after you had the procedure, but you will need to avoid lifting heavy weights, doing strenuous activities and driving for at least a week. If you have been admitted to the hospital following a heart attack you may need to stay in the hospital for several days after the angioplasty procedure to recover completely from the heart attack before being sent home.
