ANGIOPLASTY

Angioplasty is a procedure used to open up arteries that are blocked or narrowed by the build up of cholesterol and fatty deposits. Arteries supply blood and nourishment to the muscles and organs of the body. When arteries are diseased, they may be unable to supply enough blood to vital organs. This can lead to injury of the muscle or organ supplied by the diseased artery.

Angioplasty can help restore the blood flow to the muscles and organs supplied by these arteries. A specially trained physician inserts a thin tube into the blocked artery. The tube has a balloon on the end of it. The balloon is inflated to stretch the narrowed artery. The stretching of the artery allows blood to flow normally again, supplying nourishment to the affected area. The catheter and balloon are removed once the artery is opened.

Angioplasty of the coronary arteries, which are the arteries of the heart's muscle, is called percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or PTCA. PTCA may be used with other techniques to open blocked arteries in the heart. Stents, which are stainless steel wire mesh devices, may be placed in the artery after it is opened to support the wall of the artery and keep it open. The stent stays in the artery permanently. Blood-thinning medication is prescribed for several weeks to prevent blood clots from forming on the stent. After several weeks, the metal stent becomes coated with natural tissue and the risk of blood clots around the stent decreases.

Atherectomy is sometimes used with angioplasty. Atherectomy devices allow the physician to drill or shave away the blockage. Sometimes laser may be used with angioplasty to make small holes in the blockage and improve blood flow in the affected artery.

The advantage of an angioplasty procedure is that it can be performed without major surgery. There are risks involved, as with any procedure, and not all patients are candidates for angioplasty. Patients should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine what is best for them.

For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association, call the national office at (800) 242-8721, or visit their website at www.americanheart.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File CARD4306.RF2 VRS# 4306 Data Version 7.0