What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty, is also known as balloon angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure used to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries or veins, typically to treat arterial atherosclerosis.

HOW IT WORKS:

Angioplasty uses a balloon-tipped catheter to open a blocked blood vessel and improve blood flow. The doctor uses medical imaging, typically live x-rays, to guide the catheter across the blockage. Once the balloon spans the blockage, it is inflated to open the blocked vessel and improve blood flow.s

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM Angioplasty:

• The narrowing in the artery may be reduced, resulting in improved blood flow.
• Can save your life and reduce heart muscle damage during a heart attack by restoring blood flow to the heart
• You may be able to return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.
• The procedure is usually performed using local anesthesia, which involves fewer risks than general anesthesia ("putting you under").
• May immediately relieve or at least reduce symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue, making you feel better and able to do more each day
• Can reduce the risk of stroke
• Can restore blood flow to the legs to prevent gangrene and eliminate the need for amputation

ADVANTAGES OF Angioplasty:

• Reduce heart muscle damage during a heart attack and restores blood flow to the heart muscle.
• It has a therapeutic utility that includes the use of vasopressin infusion or embolization.
• Very specific diagnosis and treatment.
• Angioplasty can quickly open the artery and is the best approach during a heart attack.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK:

• Get rest at home and drink fluids. Don’t exert yourself for the next 24 hours.
• You may need to take medicines like aspirin or other blood thinners after your angioplasty procedure. If your healthcare provider prescribed blood thinners, it’s important to take these as directed. Do not miss any doses. If you think you need to stop taking blood thinners, you should discuss it with your provider before you do.