Angioplasty
What is It?
Angioplasty is a procedure involving the use of a small, flexible tube which is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to a blocked artery. Once in position, a balloon at the catheter's tip is inflated to open the narrowed area, allowing blood to flow more freely. In many cases, a stent—a tiny wire mesh tube—is placed to keep the artery open long-term.
What is Angioplasty Used For?
Angioplasty is frequently used to treat conditions such as:
- Coronary Artery Disease: Angioplasty can restore blood flow in arteries supplying the heart, relieving chest pain (angina) and reducing the risk of heart attack.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: Angioplasty can Improves circulation in arteries of the legs, reducing pain and enhancing mobility.
- Renal Artery Stenosis: Angioplasty can open narrowed arteries leading to the kidneys, improving kidney function and controlling high blood pressure.
What to Expect During an Angioplasty Procedure
Patients typically lie on their back on a table while local anesthetic is applied to numb the insertion site. The catheter is then threaded through your blood vessels to the affected artery under X-ray guidance. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and a stent may be placed to keep it open.
What are the Benefits of Angioplasty?
- Minimally Invasive: Performed through a small incision, leading to shorter recovery times compared to other surgeries.
- Symptom Relief: Effectively alleviates symptoms like chest pain and leg discomfort caused by reduced blood flow.
- Reduced Risk of Heart Attack: In coronary cases, it lowers the risk of heart attacks by improving blood supply to the heart muscle.
