What happens during the procedure?
Angioplasty is usually performed by a cardiologist and a team of specialized healthcare professionals, including nurses and technicians. Angioplasty is performed using local anesthetic, so you will be awake during the procedure (but unable to feel it). You may also be given a mild sedative to relax you, as well as blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of clotting.
Angioplasty is usually done through an artery in the groin or sometimes the arm. Your doctor will insert a thin tube, called a catheter, into the artery. The catheter includes a small balloon and a small wire tube, called a stent. Once the catheter is in place, a dye is injected and X-rays are taken which tell the physician exactly where the blockages are and how narrow the artery is. This is also known as an angiogram and functions as a map for the doctor. The doctor will then inflate the balloon, opening the stent and pushing it against the artery wall. After the procedure is complete, the cells that line the blood vessel will grow around the stent, holding it in place.
In angioplasties where no stent is used, your doctor will use the balloon itself to open the blockage, inflating it against the artery wall and then deflating it, often several times, to stretch the artery wall.
This procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
How should I prepare for this procedure?
Your doctor will provide specific instructions for preparing for an angioplasty. Usually, you will require blood tests, an X-ray, and an electrocardiogram (EKG) before the procedure.
Do not eat for 8 hours before the procedure. You may continue to drink clear liquids until 2 hours before the procedure. If your doctor has recommended different times, follow the timing recommended by your doctor.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any medication allergies and medical conditions that you may have.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you need to stop taking any of your medications before the procedure.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, you may feel drowsy from the sedatives and feel pain or soreness at the insertion site. Once the catheter is removed, it is important to keep your leg still for up to six hours to prevent further bleeding. You will also likely have a bandage or something else to apply pressure to the site to prevent bleeding.
Typically, an angioplasty requires an overnight stay in the hospital. Your heart rate and vital signs will be monitored throughout this time. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital. Once home, over the next several days you should avoid any type of lifting or other strenuous physical activity. Your doctor will advise you when you will be able to return to work and resume driving and other physical activity. If a stent was used, you will need to take aspirin and clopidogrel (a medication that is similar to aspirin) to reduce the risk of blood clots in the stent.
Call your doctor if you:
- experience swelling, bleeding, or pain at the insertion site
- develop a fever
- notice a change in temperature or color in the arm or leg that was used
- feel faint or weak
- have shortness of breath or chest pain
Results
Angioplasty is considered effective at improving blood flow to the heart, especially when a stent is used. There is still a risk of future blockages, which could require another angioplasty, or bypass surgery.