What Happens During Angioplasty?
First, a coronary angiography procedure would be done . Medication will be given to
relax , then the cardiologist will numb the area where the catheter will go with
local anaesthesia.
Next, a thin plastic tube called a sheath is inserted into an artery -- sometimes in
your groin(femoral) sometimes in your arm (radial). A long, narrow, hollow tube
called a catheter is passed through the sheath and guided up a blood vessel to the
arteries surrounding the heart.
A small amount of contrast liquid is put into your blood vessel through the
catheter. It’s photographed with an X-ray as it moves through your heart's chambers,
valves, and major vessels. From those pictures, the cardiologist would tell if your
coronary arteries are narrowed and, in some cases, whether the heart valves are
working correctly.
If the cardiologist decides to perform angioplasty, he will move the catheter into
the artery that’s blocked. He’ll then do one of the procedures described below.
The whole thing lasts around 1 hour, but the preparation and recovery can add
much more time. You may stay in the hospital overnight for observation.
What Types of Procedures Are Used in Angioplasty?
What Can you Expect Before an Angioplasty?
Most people will need a routine blood test and electrocardiogram.
You won’t be able to eat or drink for few hour before the procedure depending on the
advise of the cardiologist.
let them know if you are allergic to anything, especially:
During the procedure
Stent placement
Most people who have an angioplasty also have a stent placed in their blocked artery during the same procedure.
Here's what happens during a stent placement:
What Happens After an Angioplasty?
If the catheter was put into the artery at your groin, you’ll have to lie flat
(without bending your legs) while the groin sheath is in place. A sheet may be
placed across your leg with the sheath to remind you to keep it straight.
After the sheath is removed, you’ll have to lie flat for about 6 hours to prevent
bleeding, but your nurse can raise your head about two pillows high after 2 hours.
Your nurse will tell you when you can get out of bed.
You shouldn’t eat or drink anything except clear liquids until the groin sheath is
removed. That’s because you can get nauseated while it’s on.
If your catheter was put into the artery at your wrist or arm, your doctor will put
a special bandage on to make sure it heals properly. You’ll wear this for a couple
of hours. The nurse will remove it and check to see if your artery has healed
enough.
You may be admitted to the hospital overnight for observation after the procedure.
To keep your heart healthy after angioplasty, you should:
Complications
Although angioplasty is a less invasive way to open clogged arteries than bypass
surgery is, the procedure still carries some risks.
The most common angioplasty risks include: