Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. By restoring blood flow to the heart, angioplasty helps relieve symptoms such as chest pain and reduces the risk of serious complications associated with coronary artery disease.
The procedure is performed without open-heart surgery and is commonly used both as a planned treatment for stable coronary artery disease and as an emergency intervention during acute coronary events such as a heart attack.
By improving blood flow to the heart, angioplasty can significantly relieve symptoms, improve exercise tolerance and overall quality of life.
Coronary Balloon Angioplasty, also known as Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) uses a small balloon to widen a narrowed or blocked coronary artery.
A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in the wrist, arm, or groin and carefully guided to the affected coronary artery using real-time X-ray imaging. Once positioned at the blockage, a small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated. This compresses fatty plaque or blood clots against the artery wall, widening the vessel and restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.
In some cases, angioplasty is combined with stent placement, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), to keep the artery open after it has been widened.
A stent is a tiny expandable metal mesh tube. It is mounted on the balloon catheter and positioned within the narrowed artery. When the balloon is inflated, the stent expands and remains in place to support the artery wall. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
Drug-eluting stents (DES): Most modern stents are drug-eluting stents (DES). These stents are coated with medication that slowly releases into the blood vessel wall to prevent scar tissue from forming and to reduce the risk of the artery narrowing again.
Bare-metal stents (BMS): This type of stent does not contain medication. While these stents may have a higher risk of re-narrowing, they may be preferred in patients who have a higher risk of bleeding and cannot take prolonged blood-thinning medications.
An angiogram is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the coronary arteries. During this test, a contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels and X-ray images are taken to identify areas of narrowing or blockage.
Angioplasty, on the other hand, is a procedure performed to open the narrowed artery and restore normal blood flow to the heart.
In many cases, angioplasty may be performed immediately after an angiogram if a significant blockage is detected.
Your cardiologist will conduct a pre-procedure assessment to ensure you are suitable for treatment. This may include a physical examination and blood tests.
You will also be assessed for allergies to contrast dye, medications, or anaesthesia. Certain medications may need to be temporarily stopped before the procedure.
You may also be advised to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand.
Throughout the procedure, your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and oxygen levels will be continuously monitored.
A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted, usually in the wrist, arm, or groin. The cardiologist then makes a small puncture in the artery and guides the catheter through the blood vessels toward the blocked coronary artery using X-ray guidance and contrast dye.
Once the catheter reaches the narrowed section of the artery, the balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery wall, widening the vessel. If a stent is used, it will be expanded at the same time and left in place to maintain blood flow.
After the artery has been successfully widened, the balloon and catheter are removed.
The insertion site is then closed using pressure or a closure device to stop bleeding.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and typically takes between 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the complexity of the blockage. Procedures involving heavily calcified arteries or multiple blockages may take longer.
Patients who undergo angioplasty for stable coronary artery disease may be able to return home on the same day or the following day. Patients treated for a heart attack may need to stay in the hospital for several days for monitoring and recovery.
After the procedure, you may be advised to rest for 24 hours and avoid strenuous activities for a short period. Blood-thinning medications are usually prescribed to prevent clot formation in the treated artery.
Most individuals can resume normal activities, including driving and work, within about a week, depending on their recovery and their doctor’s advice.
Lifestyle changes are also important to support long-term heart health. These include stopping smoking, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limiting foods high in saturated fat, salt and sugar.
As with any invasive procedure, there are potential risks. Complications occur in approximately 1 in 100 procedures and may include:
Pain, bleeding, or bruising at the catheter insertion site
Infection at the insertion site
Abnormal heart rhythms
Heart attack
Stroke
Damage or rupture of the coronary artery requiring emergency surgery
Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
Kidney injury related to the contrast dye
Your cardiologist will carefully evaluate your individual risk before the procedure and take appropriate precautions to minimise complications.
Although rare, complications such as coronary artery perforation may require urgent medical intervention.
Angioplasty plays an important role in restoring blood flow to the heart and reducing the risk of complications from coronary artery disease.
At Prince Court Medical Centre, our experienced cardiologists provide comprehensive care for heart conditions, from screening and diagnosis to advanced treatment options.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or reduced exercise tolerance, it is important to seek medical evaluation early. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and support better long-term heart health.
Schedule a consultation with a cardiologist at Prince Court Medical Centre to understand your condition and explore appropriate treatment options.
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