Angioplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure designed to open arteries and restore smoother blood flow. It is most often performed to treat atherosclerosis, a condition caused by the buildup of plaque — composed of fat and cholesterol — inside the arteries.
During angioplasty, a very small medical balloon is used to push plaque against the artery wall in the narrowed or blocked area, allowing blood flow to return to normal.
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Types of Angioplasty
Medical professionals use specific terms to describe which arteries are treated. The two most common types are:
- Coronary artery angioplasty – Performed on the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. This is also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
- Peripheral artery angioplasty – Performed on peripheral arteries, which carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body, such as the legs and arms.
Based on the technique used, angioplasty can be performed in several ways:
- Balloon angioplasty – The most common method, in which a tiny medical balloon pushes plaque away and presses it against the artery wall.
- Angioplasty with or without stenting – A permanent stent (small tube) may be placed in the newly opened artery to help keep it open. Most angioplasties today include stent placement.
- Excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) – Uses laser energy instead of a balloon to break down plaque in the coronary arteries. This method is less common than balloon angioplasty.
When Angioplasty is Needed
You may require angioplasty if you have:
- Heart Attack: Angioplasty can help limit heart damage during or shortly after a heart attack. In such cases, it is performed as an emergency procedure.
- Carotid Artery Disease: The carotid arteries are located in the neck. Without treatment, blockage in these arteries can lead to stroke.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Plaque buildup in the renal arteries can reduce blood and oxygen supply to the kidneys. In some cases, renal artery angioplasty may help.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart, enabling it to pump blood throughout the body. Blockages can cause chest pain (angina) and/or heart attacks.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Angioplasty can remove plaque from major arteries in the arms, legs, and pelvis. Without treatment, PAD can cause pain, ulcers, or even gangrene.
During angioplasty, an angiogram (imaging test) is used to guide the procedure.
Preparation Before Angioplasty
Your doctor will give specific instructions based on your health condition and medications. Common preparations include:
- Fasting (no food or drink except water) for eight hours before the procedure
- Adjusting or stopping certain medications, especially blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- Informing your doctor if you have allergies to contrast dye or anesthesia
- Notifying your doctor if you are pregnant
- Arranging transportation home, as you cannot drive yourself on the same day. In some cases, you may need to stay overnight in the hospital.
Angioplasty Procedure
Here are the general steps during angioplasty:
- You will change into a hospital gown and lie on your back.
- Sedation will be given via IV to help you relax. You will remain awake and able to follow instructions.
- Vital signs (heart rate, oxygen levels) will be monitored throughout the procedure.
- Local anesthesia will be applied to the access area (groin or arm) to numb it. You may feel slight pressure but no pain.
- A needle is inserted into the blood vessel, and a small sheath (tube) is placed into the main artery.
- A guide wire and catheter are threaded through the sheath to the target artery.
- A rotating X-ray machine (fluoroscopy) tracks the catheter’s movement.
- Contrast dye is injected to visualize blood flow, which may cause a brief warm sensation or urge to urinate.
- The guide wire passes through the blockage, allowing a balloon-tipped catheter to slide over it.
- The balloon is inflated briefly to widen the artery, sometimes more than once.
- Another X-ray checks the improvement in blood flow.
- A stent is usually placed to keep the artery open before the balloon is removed.
- After the procedure, the catheter is removed, the insertion site is bandaged, and pressure is applied to stop bleeding. If accessed via the groin, you may need to lie flat for a few hours.
Duration of the Procedure
Angioplasty typically takes between 30 minutes and two hours. Recovery time in the hospital will vary depending on your condition. Your doctor will give a more precise estimate.
Integrated Heart Center at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is equipped with an Integrated Heart Center staffed by highly experienced cardiologists and specialists.
The center offers a wide range of procedures, including:
- 2D, 3D, and PFA heart ablation for arrhythmia
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Pacemaker implantation
- Coronary stent placement (angioplasty with stenting)
For easier visits, use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment feature, or download the Care Dokter app from Google Play or the App Store to check queue numbers, arrange visits, and access complete hospital information.
