An Overview of Angioplasty
Balloon angioplasty (also known as just angioplasty) is a procedure that allows your doctor to open blocked coronary arteries, which are the arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to your heart muscle. Often, an expandable device, called a stent, is inserted into your blocked artery after angioplasty. Stents can help the artery remain open for a longer period of time. Your doctor's choice to perform an angioplasty or insert a stent is based on the type and location of your blockage.
In addition to being effective, angioplasty is safe and well tolerated in most cases.
Preparing for Angioplasty and the Procedure Itself
Preparing for angioplasty involves arranging transportation and not eating or drinking for eight hours before the surgery. Also, your doctor should give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your procedure. During the procedure, dye is injected into the coronary arteries; this helps the doctor to see any blockages. If the doctor locates a blockage, he or she will prepare for balloon angioplasty or the placement of a stent. Both of these procedures allow the artery to stay open for a longer period of time after the surgery.
Recovery and Expected Results From Angioplasty
In most cases, patients stay in the hospital for one to two days after their angioplasty.
When you leave the hospital to continue your recovery, you should be given specific wound care instructions and discharge instructions for driving, activity level, medication, and any other restrictions. You will need to avoid vigorous exertion or strenuous activity for one to two weeks after balloon angioplasty. Benefits of angioplasty often include a significant relief from chest pain and a decrease in the need for heart medication. Angioplasty has a 90 percent success rate for unblocking coronary arteries.
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