Inserting the Balloon Catheter
During
angioplasty, your doctor inserts a special balloon-tipped catheter into your artery and guides it to the blockage. If your doctor encounters a clot that is blocking the artery, a medication will be given to dissolve the clot before continuing. Once the balloon catheter is correctly placed, it is inflated and deflated several times. When the balloon inflates, it briefly blocks the flow of blood. This might cause you to experience chest discomfort. If this happens, you should tell your doctor, as pain medicine can be given. With a successful angioplasty, the blockage is squeezed outward against the wall of the artery and blood flow is restored.
Depending on the specifics of the blockage, your doctor may place a stent in your artery. The stent is an expandable device that is mounted on a balloon catheter similar to the one used for the angioplasty. The stent and balloon are advanced to the blockage area and the stent is expanded into place. A stent supports the artery and helps it remain open for a longer period of time. After the stent has been placed, the body will grow tissue over the stent to help maintain its position. The stent will not move around inside your body.
Finishing the Angioplasty Procedure
Once the angioplasty is complete, your doctor will take out the catheter, but the introducer may remain in the artery. Your doctor will leave the introducer in place for a period of time to be prepared in case the artery recloses. If you experience chest pain,
back pain, or other unusual feelings after your angioplasty procedure, the coronary artery may be reclosing. For this reason, continued communication with your doctor is essential.
Angioplasty usually takes from one to three hours, but this varies from patient to patient. Your doctor will tell you what is happening throughout the procedure.
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