What Is Angioplasty?

[Abhilash Rathore]

Angioplasty is a procedure used to open blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease. It restores blood flow to the heart muscle without open-heart surgery. Angioplasty is possible in an emergency setting, such as a heart attack. Or it can be done as elective surgery if your healthcare provider strongly suspects you have heart disease.

Most surgeons these days use a coronary stent for all angioplasty procedures. It is a tiny, expandable metal mesh coil put into the newly opened area of the artery to keep it from closing. After placing it, the tissue will start coating with a layer of skin. Within three to 12 months, it will be in line with the tissue depending on the medicine coating.

What does the medicine do?

After the operation, the surgeon may prescribe you medicines called antiplatelets to decrease the stickiness of platelets and prevent blood clots. You can also find a drug-eluting stent that releases medicine within the blood vessel that slows the overgrowth of tissue within them. It helps prevent the blood vessel from becoming narrow again.

Why is angioplasty necessary?

Angioplasty can treat the build-up of fatty plaques in your heart's blood vessels. It may be a treatment option for you if you have tried medications or lifestyle changes, but these have not improved your heart health. You may also have chest pain that is worsening or a heart attack. The treatment can quickly open a blocked artery, reducing damage to your heart.

Depending on the extent of your heart disease and your overall health, your doctor may determine which treatment is suitable for you. Coronary angioplasty dramatically increases blood flow through the previously narrowed or blocked coronary artery. Your chest pain should decrease, and you should have the energy to exercise.

How does it work?

The balloon catheter is inserted through the skin into an artery using image guidance and inflates to open the vessel. It deflates once the vessel is open. In this process, the balloon expands the artery wall, increasing blood flow through the artery. An angioplasty stent may be placed at the treatment site to hold the artery open.

The common uses

Angioplasty treats conditions that narrow or block blood vessels and interrupt blood flow. They include coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, carotid artery stenosis, blockage in the veins, renal vascular hypertension, and many more. In these procedures, surgeons use x-ray imaging equipment, a balloon catheter, sheath, guidewire, among others.

The benefits

This surgery is much less invasive and involves low risks and costs. After using local anaesthesia, these procedures reduce the need to stay for extended days in the hospital. Since there are no surgical incisions, you can return to your regular activities soon.