Angioplasty, a procedure used to open blocked arteries in the heart, is safe and effective in most cases. This eMedTV article discusses this procedure in detail, including information on potential complications and expected results.
As this eMedTV article explains, preparing for angioplasty involves arranging transportation and not eating or drinking for eight hours before the surgery. In some cases, preparation for the procedure may also require an overnight hospital stay.
On the day of your angioplasty, you will be taken to a pre-procedure room, and your IV line will be placed. This eMedTV resource discusses other things you can expect on the day of angioplasty, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Angioplasties are performed in a "cath lab." This eMedTV segment provides basic information about angioplasty and the cath lab, including details concerning things you can expect to see (such as monitors and other equipment) during your surgery.
An angioplasty is a procedure used to unblock a coronary artery. This part of the eMedTV archives offers a comprehensive overview of this procedure, including information on the use of stents and balloon catheters during an angioplasty.
After an angioplasty, most people stay in the hospital for one to two days. This eMedTV article offers a step-by-step look at angioplasty recovery, from what to expect in the recovery room to precautions to be aware of once you are home.
Expectations with angioplasty often include relief of chest pain. This eMedTV article discusses the expected results of angioplasty and explains that arteries may not remain unblocked after the procedure.
Alternatives to angioplasty include coronary artery bypass surgery and heart medications. This page on the eMedTV site describes both of these alternatives and examines how they compare to angioplasty.
Some people wonder, "What if you don't have angioplasty?" This eMedTV resource explains that an untreated heart condition can lead to serious health problems, so it is important to understand the consequences of this decision.
As this eMedTV article explains, patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of infection, vessel closure, and heart attack when they undergo angioplasty. This page provides basic information on diabetics and angioplasty.
Complications of balloon angioplasty can include infection, nausea, and bleeding. This part of the eMedTV archives offers a list of major and minor complications that can occur as a result of balloon angioplasty.
Artery reclosure during angioplasty may be caused by such things as blood clots or a tear in the artery. This eMedTV segment discusses artery reclosure and angioplasty, including information about how a reclosure is treated.
Kidney problems after angioplasty are rare, as this eMedTV article explains. If problems do occur, they are usually temporary and cause no permanent damage. Fewer than 1 in 100 patients who develop these problems will require chronic dialysis.
Patients with kidney disease have a higher risk of kidney failure when they undergo an angioplasty. As this eMedTV segment explains, this is due to the use of intravenous contrast dye. This article discusses angioplasty risks and kidney disease.
Irregular heartbeats are a relatively common occurrence during angioplasty, but most are not serious. This eMedTV resource covers the causes and treatment (such as placement of a pacemaker) of irregular heartbeats during angioplasty.
Infections that occur after an angioplasty are uncommon. This part of the eMedTV Web site describes how the use of sterile equipment reduces the risk of infections following angioplasty. If a patient does develop an infection, it is usually minor.
Stroke during angioplasty is a complication that occurs in 7 out of 10,000 procedures. This page on the eMedTV site offers a brief overview of how a stroke can affect the body and why a stroke might occur during an angioplasty.
As this eMedTV page explains, serious complications during angioplasty can require emergency interventions such as coronary artery bypass surgery. This article discusses angioplasty complications and immediate surgery.
Loss of life with angioplasty is rare; the procedure has become safer over the last 25 years. This eMedTV page lists the conditions (such as severe heart failure) that can increase the risk of death associated with angioplasty.
In rare cases, the heart can be injured during an angioplasty (a procedure to unblock coronary arteries). This eMedTV Web page discusses the possibility of experiencing a heart injury during angioplasty and explains how such an injury is treated.
Although it doesn't happen often, a heart attack can occur during an angioplasty. This eMedTV resource discusses the possibility of a having a heart attack during angioplasty and explains how your healthcare team works to minimize the risk.
Equipment failure during angioplasty is extremely rare, as this eMedTV article explains. When medical equipment does fail, the complications are usually minor and can be treated easily by your doctor.
While blood clots can be a serious complication of angioplasty, most blood clots that develop are harmless. This eMedTV page discusses blood clots and angioplasty, including information about how serious blood clots are treated.
Bleeding problems with angioplasty can include bruising, nosebleeds, and blood clots. This eMedTV segment describes these problems and explains how they are usually caused by an injured blood vessel or the use of blood-thinning medication.
This eMedTV page provides information about allergic reaction and angioplasty. To reduce your risk of allergic reaction, talk to your doctor about medicines you are taking, your health in the past, and whether you currently have any allergies.
