Angioplasty
(Also called: percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); see also: cardiac catheterization)
Purpose
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are techniques used to widen a narrowed artery without surgery. PTA is the term used for angioplasty done in peripheral arteries (for example, in the legs), and PTCA refers to angioplasty done in the heart.
Angioplasty procedures are conducted in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Description
- Blood work and an electrocardiogram are done in the hospital before the procedure.
- A nurse or doctor asks the patient to provide informed consent. This is required before the test can proceed.
- The patient is taken to the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
- The patient is awake during the procedure. Painkillers and sedatives are given intravenously (into a vein) as needed.
- A thin, flexible tube (catheter) with a small inflatable balloon on the end is inserted into an artery and/or vein located in the groin area or the arm.
- The balloon catheter is guided to the narrowed section of the artery.
- The balloon is inflated so that it pushes outward against the narrowed wall of the artery. This process reduces the narrowing until it no longer interferes with blood flow.
- The balloon is deflated and removed from the artery.
- The patient must remain on bed rest for four to six hours after the procedure. Painkillers and other drugs are given as needed.
See the handout Cardiac Catheterization and Angioplasty Patient Guide for more detailed information on the catheterization procedure.
Patient Instructions
Patients should follow the information on the handout Cardiac Catheterization and Angioplasty Patient Guide for items to bring to the hospital.
Before the procedure, patients should ask their cardiologist if they should continue to take their present medications. Before coming to the hospital, patients should make arrangements for a ride home after the procedure and for someone to stay with them overnight.
Patients should not smoke or drink any alcoholic beverages (for example, beer or wine) 24 hours before the procedure.
