Angioplasty

An angioplasty is not heart surgery. Angioplasty opens clogged or blocked arteries by inflating a small balloon in the area of the blockage. This procedure can be done on many different arteries in the body, including the coronary arteries in the heart, the carotid arteries in the neck, the renal or kidney arteries and the iliac arteries in the legs.

How do I prepare for an angioplasty?

Unless you are already hospitalized, you will generally be admitted the morning of your procedure and go home the same day or the day after your procedure. Often, your doctor will order blood tests, a chest x-ray or an electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to the day of your procedure.

You will be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening before your angioplasty. When you arrive at the hospital, you will be asked to sign a consent form, allowing the procedure to be done. It is very important that you have asked your doctor to explain the procedure fully, and have had any questions answered before signing the consent form. Most of the time, these explanations and

questions take place at the doctor's office, before the day of the procedure. However, if you have questions, be sure you ask the nurse who is preparing you on the morning of your procedure.

How is an angioplasty done?

The area where the tube will be inserted will need to be prepared or “prepped” prior to the procedure. The area to be prepped may be the groin or the bend in the arm. This area will be prepared by washing it with special soap, and using an electric clipper in the area to remove any hair.

Before starting the angioplasty, the doctor will numb a spot in your groin or arm with medication. After the area is numb, a small tube or catheter is placed into the artery in your groin or arm. This tube is threaded up the artery until it reaches the blockage in your artery.


By watching the special X-ray screen and using a special dye, the doctor can find the exact area of the blockage. Once the blockage is found, a tiny tube with a balloon on the tip is threaded through the first catheter or tube. When the balloon-tipped catheter reaches the clogged artery, the balloon is inflated. This causes the blockage in the artery to be pushed to the sides of the artery, allowing blood to flow easier through the artery.



After the procedure

Following the procedure, the nursing staff will monitor you closely. You will be placed on a heart monitor, and your blood pressure and pulse rate will be checked frequently.

If the catheters were placed through the artery in your leg, you will need to remain in bed and keep your leg straight for several hours following the procedure. The exact amount of time varies, depending on the procedure used to close your artery following the angioplasty. During this time, you may have the head of your bed elevated slightly and may turn onto your side with the assistance of the nurse. If the catheters were inserted through the artery in your arm, you will be asked to keep your arm still and may have tapes called steri-strips or stitches closing a small incision that the doctor has made over your artery.

In addition to resting, you will be asked to drink fluids to flush the dye from your kidneys. The nursing staff will obtain food for you — generally this meal consists of sandwiches and other “finger foods” (foods you can easily eat without sitting up).

What are the risks of angioplasty?

In a small percentage of patients who have an angioplasty, the artery may collapse or develop a small tear (called a dissection). Rarely, the doctor may be unable to open the artery due to the type or location of the blockage. This can cause blood flow to a portion of the heart to be disrupted. If this happens, you may need to be taken immediately for bypass surgery to prevent a heart attack from occurring.

In some patients, the artery will develop another blockage (called a restenosis) in the area of the angioplasty or stent. If this happens, a second angioplasty, or stent procedure or bypass surgery may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a angioplasty take?

The amount of time the procedure takes depends on how many arteries the doctor needs to work on, and their location in your heart. You will probably be in the cath lab for approximately two hours; but, keep in mind that some procedures take longer. Be aware that lengthy delays can occur due to an emergency with another patient.

Where should my family wait during my procedure?

Your family should wait in the Heart Center waiting room while your procedure is being done. This is where your cardiologist will go to talk with them when the procedure is finished.

How long until I can see my family after my procedure?

As soon as your procedure is completed, you will be moved to the Heart Center holding area, or returned to your room if you are admitted to the hospital. As soon as the nurses have you settled, you will be able to see your family.

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